In a significant move, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both agreed to participate in a debate hosted by CNN on June 27. This early face-off is expected to influence the dynamics of the 2024 election.
Biden confirmed his acceptance via a post on social media platform X, stating, “I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place.” Trump’s campaign quickly followed suit, with a representative confirming Trump’s participation.
This development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate saga between these two political adversaries. Biden’s campaign had earlier challenged Trump to two debates hosted by news organizations, signaling their intent to bypass the traditional fall debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). Trump swiftly agreed, indicating his willingness to debate under any circumstances.
Recently, Biden expressed his readiness to debate Trump but remained vague about the format. He reiterated his stance during an interview with Howard Stern, stating, “I’m happy to debate him.” Biden’s campaign subsequently outlined its debate proposals, suggesting dates in June and September.
In a video released on Wednesday, Biden directly challenged Trump, emphasizing Trump’s previous debate performances and his absence from debates since 2020. “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again,” Biden said. He added a touch of humor by suggesting Trump’s availability on Wednesdays, hinting at Trump’s legal schedule.
Trump responded on Truth Social, confirming his agreement to the proposed June and September debates and advocating for additional debates. His senior adviser mentioned their eagerness for the face-off, while still reviewing the proposed terms.
Informal talks between the Biden and Trump campaigns have been underway, focusing on circumventing the CPD and finding common ground for the debates. Both campaigns share a mutual discontent with the CPD, which had previously scheduled debates for the fall.
One notable point of contention is the debate format. The Biden campaign proposed a format without a studio audience, reminiscent of the original televised debates of 1960, aiming to focus solely on the candidates and moderators. They believe this approach would make the debates more substantive and less theatrical. The first debate is planned to take place in CNN’s Atlanta studio without an audience, according to Biden’s campaign sources.
Trump, however, prefers a larger venue with an audience, citing the need for excitement. He emphasized his readiness to debate, stating, “Just tell me when, I’ll be there. Let’s get ready to rumble!”
The CPD had previously announced three debates for the fall, scheduled for September 16 in Texas, October 1 in Virginia, and October 9 in Utah. However, Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, proposed altering this schedule to better align with early voting timelines and to address concerns about the CPD’s handling of debates.
The campaign also suggested a vice-presidential debate in late July, post-Republican convention. Biden’s move away from CPD debates aligns with the Republican National Committee’s earlier decision to withdraw from the CPD, citing bias and procedural issues.
This push for earlier debates aims to engage voters sooner and potentially minimize the impact of third-party candidates. While Biden and Trump are likely to qualify, the inclusion of third-party candidates like Cornel West or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains uncertain until the CPD’s decision after Labor Day.
For many voters, these debates will be a crucial opportunity to evaluate the candidates, especially considering concerns about their ages—Trump will turn 78 in June, and Biden will be 82 in November. The debates promise to be a defining moment in the 2024 election, providing voters with a clear view of each candidate’s capabilities and positions.
