The tradition of US presidential debates dates back to 1960 and has undergone significant changes throughout history. The first televised debates occurred between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960, with subsequent debates being held in front of live audiences. The importance of presidential debates is widely debated, with some attributing Kennedy’s victory in 1960 to his performance in the televised debate and others pointing to Gerald Ford’s fumble in 1976 as costing him reelection. Ronald Reagan used strong debate performances to secure election victories, while George H.W. Bush’s defeat in 1992 was partly attributed to a memorable moment from a debate.
In an era of increasing partisan divides, the impact of presidential debates on swaying voters is unclear. However, the debates provide candidates with an opportunity to reach millions of Americans, with record numbers tuning in to watch past debates. The upcoming debates between Biden and Trump are set to occur earlier than usual and will be hosted by news organizations instead of the Commission on Presidential Debates, due to concerns over biased moderators and debate timing.
Despite the Republican National Committee’s withdrawal from the Commission on Presidential Debates, three presidential debates have been scheduled for the 2024 election cycle. The Biden campaign has expressed concerns over the commission’s handling of debates, proposing an altered schedule and pointing to issues with the structure and enforcement of rules in previous debates. The upcoming CNN debate, which will be held without a studio audience, will adhere to the conditions outlined by the Biden campaign.
Biden and Trump are expected to be the only candidates on stage for the debates, as Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not meet the qualifications set by CNN for participation. Kennedy, who has sought to debate Biden and Trump, accused the two major candidates of colluding to keep him off the stage. In the commission era, the only non-major-party candidate to participate in debates was Ross Perot in 1992, who was not included in debates when he ran again in 1996.
The upcoming presidential debates between Biden and Trump will set the tone for the final months of the 2024 campaign. The debates will offer candidates a platform to reach a wide audience and make their case to voters. The evolution of presidential debates throughout history reflects the changing landscape of American politics and the importance of engaging with voters through media platforms like television and news organizations.
