The Commission on Presidential Debates responded to criticism from the Trump campaign regarding the debate schedule they announced last year. The nonpartisan entity stated that its mission is to sponsor and produce debates that inform and educate the public. The first debate is set for Sept. 16 at Texas State University, with the majority of states not yet starting to mail out absentee ballots by then. The CPD explained that they considered various factors when selecting the debate dates, including religious and federal holidays, early voting, and individual state ballot deadlines.
Despite the CPD’s reasoning, Trump’s campaign called the debate schedule “unacceptable,” stating that it begins after millions of Americans have already cast their ballots. The campaign managers reaffirmed their commitment to making the debates happen regardless of the CPD’s position. The commission, which has been organizing presidential debates since 1987, defended its selection of September 16 based on a comprehensive study of early voting rules in every state. They also noted that this would be the earliest televised general election debate ever held.
President Joe Biden expressed willingness to debate Trump in an interview, while Trump, who did not participate in any GOP primary debates in 2024, stated on social media that he is willing to debate “anywhere, anytime, anyplace.” The debate schedule controversy highlights the importance of the CPD in organizing and facilitating these crucial events in the presidential election process. Regardless of the criticism from the Trump campaign, the CPD remains steadfast in its commitment to providing informative and educational debates for the American public.
Overall, the debate schedule set by the CPD has sparked debate and controversy among the Trump campaign and others regarding the timing of the debates and their potential impact on voter participation. The CPD’s defense of their schedule based on various factors and a comprehensive study of early voting rules shows their dedication to ensuring fair and accessible debates. Despite the pushback from the Trump campaign, the commission remains focused on its mission of providing debates that inform and educate the public during the presidential election. With both President Biden and Trump expressing willingness to debate, the upcoming debates promise to be important moments in the election process.
