President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign has challenged Republican nominee Donald Trump to two debates hosted in a television studio ahead of the November election, breaking away from the traditional system of debates. Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, stated in a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) that Biden will not participate in CPD debates and will only partake in debates hosted by news outlets. The proposed debates would be scheduled for late June and early September, aiming to avoid interfering with Biden’s plans following a meeting with world leaders. Trump quickly responded to Biden’s challenge, expressing his disagreement with not debating in front of a crowd but accepting the proposed dates.
Trump responded to the challenge on Truth Social, agreeing to participate in the debates proposed by Biden’s campaign. He recommended more than two debates and a large venue for excitement but acknowledged Biden’s supposed fear of crowds due to his lack of attendance. O’Malley Dillon listed proposed rules for the debates, emphasizing firm time limits for answers, alternate speaking turns, and active microphones only when it is a candidate’s turn to speak. She also suggested that the vice-presidential debate should be held in late July after the Republican National Convention. The Biden campaign is opposed to CPD’s debates due to scheduling issues and large audiences in the past, preferring a more controlled environment in a TV studio with moderators.
In a brief video, Biden challenged Trump to debate him, citing Trump’s absence from debates since their last encounters in 2020. Trump had expressed his desire to debate Biden earlier in the year, stating that it would be for the good of the country. In a letter from his co-campaign managers in April, Trump’s campaign advocated for starting the debates earlier to allow voters to see the candidates before casting their ballots. They also supported the idea of adding extra debates to the three already scheduled by the CPD.
The proposed debates between Biden and Trump represent a departure from the usual format, with both candidates expressing eagerness to engage in discussions. The Biden campaign’s decision to avoid CPD debates is rooted in timing considerations and concerns regarding large audience spectacles. Trump’s acceptance of the proposed debate dates and rules indicates a willingness to engage with Biden on the issues. The stage is set for a series of debates that could influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
