The article discusses the recent agreement between Donald Trump and Joe Biden to participate in two debates following their previous debates during the 2020 presidential election. Both candidates agreed to faceoffs on CNN on June 27 and ABC on September 10, with key details still being worked out. Trump quickly accepted the debate invitations after Biden agreed to participate, despite the fact that Trump had been demanding a side-by-side comparison between the two candidates. Biden’s team had previously been hesitant to allow him to debate, with concerns about his abysmal poll numbers, but ultimately decided to agree to the debates.
The first key condition that Biden insisted on was that there would be no audience present during the debates. This was to prevent Trump’s large crowds from influencing the debate atmosphere. Biden also requested a mute button to prevent interruptions and talking over during the debates, similar to what occurred during the 2020 debates. Trump accepted these conditions, despite his preference for large venues and excitement during debates. These debates are expected to be focused on policy issues rather than theatrics.
The decision for the debates was made public with Biden posting a video challenging Trump to debate, to which Trump responded on Truth Social accepting the challenge. Both candidates have differing approaches and strategies for the debates, with Biden hoping to show his superior knowledge in a no-frills setting, while Trump relies on his physical presence and bombastic style to contrast with Biden’s more subdued demeanor. The importance of these debates in the election cannot be understated and could play a significant role in shaping public opinion.
The upcoming debates mark a departure from the traditional Commission on Presidential Debates format that has been in place since 1988. Both candidates have decided to bypass the commission and handle the debates on their terms. Trump’s acceptance of the debate invitations is seen as a shift away from the traditional debate structure and may signal the end of the Commission’s involvement in future debates. There is speculation that Trump may find reasons to back out of the debates, but it is unlikely given his eagerness to face off against Biden.
Overall, the decision for Trump and Biden to participate in two upcoming debates marks a significant development in the election cycle and could have a major impact on the trajectory of the campaign. Biden’s decision to agree to the debates, despite previous hesitancy from his team, shows a willingness to take risks to shake up his campaign strategy. Both candidates have differing approaches to the debates, with Trump relying on his charisma and style, while Biden hopes to showcase his knowledge and policy expertise. The outcome of these debates remains to be seen, but they are expected to be crucial in shaping public opinion.
