The future of the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates is uncertain after President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump reached an agreement to meet on their own. The commission has organized presidential debates since 1988, but the candidates decided to bypass them and schedule debates on CNN in June and ABC in September. Frank Fahrenkopf, the chair of the Commission, had expressed optimism that the candidates would eventually agree to participate in the commission’s debates, but Biden and Trump chose to go in a different direction. Despite this, the commission stated that it is still prepared to host debates at locations of higher learning for the 2024 election.
The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 to ensure that debates take place and reach a wide audience on television, radio, and streaming platforms. The commission’s role is to set neutral rules and provide a forum for candidates to engage with each other in a public debate. Although the Biden and Trump campaigns had criticized the commission’s plans, including the dates for debates in September and October, the commission has stated that it is ready to execute its plan. Representatives for the commission did not provide further comments, but it is clear that the candidates have decided to move forward with their own debate schedule.
Frank Fahrenkopf, the chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates, emphasized the importance of television debates in allowing voters to learn about the personalities of the candidates. He stated that debates provide insights into where the candidates stand on the issues and how they conduct themselves, giving voters a better understanding of the individuals running for office. Despite not being involved in the discussions between the Biden and Trump campaigns, Fahrenkopf defended the value of debates as a way for voters to assess the candidates’ qualifications and suitability for the presidency.
The decision by Biden and Trump to sidestep the Commission on Presidential Debates reflects a shift in how presidential debates are organized and conducted. The candidates’ agreement to meet on CNN and ABC indicates a desire to control the format and timing of the debates, rather than adhering to the commission’s guidelines. While the commission has expressed its readiness to host debates for the 2024 election, it faces a challenging landscape as candidates seek alternative ways to engage with voters and communicate their ideas and policies. The future of the commission remains uncertain as candidates explore new avenues for public engagement and debate.
