Biden and Trump Set to Face Off in June and September Debates
TL/DR –
President Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to two debates ahead of the next election, scheduled for June 27th on CNN and September 10th on ABC News. Their agreement circumvents the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which has managed the events since 1988; Biden’s campaign has proposed rules for the debates, including automatic microphone cutoffs for time limits and the exclusion of in-person audiences. The Biden campaign also wants to exclude independent or third-party candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and it remains unclear if the Trump campaign will agree to these terms.
President Biden and Trump Agree to Two Debates, Boycott Commission
President Biden and Donald Trump have consented to two debates on CNN and ABC News on June 27 and Sept. 10 respectively, marking the first public confrontations since Biden assumed office. The consensus, arrived through a series of social media posts, brings the potential of an early general-election debate and rejuvenates a rather monotonous campaign. Fox News reports that both parties believe that the debates will discourage voters from supporting their opponent.
Biden’s Conditions for Debate
Biden has expressed willingness to debate Trump before the election, provided that the discussions sidestep the Commission on Presidential Debates that has overseen debates since 1988. The Biden team desires an early start for debates, a TV studio location, and no in-person audience or third-party candidates. The Trump campaign’s agreement to these rules remains uncertain.
Trump Proposes Third Debate, Biden Declines
Trump surprised everyone by proposing a third debate on Fox News on his social media site, Truth Social. However, the Biden campaign quashed this proposal. Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, stated that Trump agreed to Biden’s terms for two debates and there would be no more discussion on this.
Biden’s Political Strategy
Biden seems prepared to gamble to overturn his fortunes in a race wherein most polls show him lagging behind Trump. The president aims to prove he is an effective leader and a reliable steward of the economy. Biden feels that the televised debates will expose Trump’s unsuitability for the presidential office, a sentiment that his campaign and White House staff share.
Biden Snubs Commission on Presidential Debates
Biden’s campaign has officially informed the Commission on Presidential Debates that he will not participate in the three general-election debates they have scheduled. Instead, he will engage in debates hosted by news organizations. This move allows Biden to advance his campaign without the crowds that typically attend the commission’s debates and could potentially detract from the discussion. The Biden team also aims to exclude candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who could steal potential voters.
Trump’s Response and Agreement
Trump, in his reaction on Truth Social, called Biden “the WORST” debater and accused the president of being “afraid of crowds”. Despite their differences, both campaigns seem eager for the debates. Trump’s campaign sees these events as an opportunity to expose what they believe to be Biden’s diminished capabilities since 2020.
—
Read More US Political News