Candidates often debate when they have to debate, which is why Donald Trump did not during the primaries. Joe Biden, facing low poll numbers, surprised everyone by agreeing to two debates, which Trump immediately accepted. The face-offs are set to take place on CNN on June 27 and on ABC on September 10, with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash as moderators. Key details have yet to be determined, but Trump appears to have agreed to two key conditions from Biden: no audience and a mute button to prevent interruptions.
The decision to debate is significant as it could potentially decide the outcome of the election. Biden was on track to lose but needed to shake things up, leading to the decision to participate in debates. Biden’s team believes his superior knowledge will be evident in the no-frills debates, while they also hope that more exposure to Trump’s bombastic style will benefit Biden. On the other hand, Trump’s physical presence and ability to focus and exercise discipline may present a favorable contrast to Biden.
The decision to debate may mark the end of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has organized the fall events since 1988. Both candidates are opting out of the traditional debates with a loud audience and moderators picked from the usual suspects. While there is speculation that Trump may find reasons to back out, it is unlikely given his acceptance of the terms set by Biden. Biden’s decision to engage in debates was a gamble that he hopes will pay off in the election.
Biden and Trump exchanged barbs through social media before reaching an agreement to debate, with Biden posting a video challenging Trump to debate and Trump responding on Truth Social. The debates between the two candidates are expected to be crucial in shaping public perception and potentially influencing the election outcome. While both candidates have their strengths and weaknesses, the debates will provide a platform for them to present their policies and ideas to the American electorate.
With the decision to engage in debates, Biden and Trump are moving away from the traditional format of presidential debates set by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Biden’s team hopes that his knowledge and experience will shine through, while Trump’s physical presence and communication style may work in his favor. The debates are set to take place on CNN and ABC, with key details still to be determined. The outcome of these debates could prove pivotal in deciding the election, making them highly anticipated events.
