Election Face-Off: Biden and Trump Agree to High-Stakes Debates
In a pivotal moment for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have confirmed their participation in two critical debates set to take place on June 27th and September 10th. The initial presidential debate, as reported by CNN, is slated to unfold in Atlanta’s studio, sans audience, and will be moderated by renowned anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Georgia, amidst its intense battleground status, serves as a fitting backdrop for this significant event in the lead-up to the November elections.
Following suit, both candidates have also accepted invitations from ABC News for the second debate scheduled for September 10th. Additionally, a separate Vice Presidential debate is proposed for July, post the Republican National Convention. Notably, a stark contrast emerges in the candidates’ terms of engagement. While President Biden commits to the two debates under stringent regulations to minimize disruptions, Trump advocates for more than two debates.
In a twist, independent presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledges to meet CNN’s debate criteria ahead of the June 20th deadline. However, uncertainties loom regarding his eligibility for participation.
CNN stipulates that presidential debate participants must meet certain thresholds, including appearing on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold and garnering at least 15% in four separate national polls. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a mere 13% voter preference for Kennedy.
Kennedy asserts attempts by Biden and Trump to exclude him from debates, citing fears of his potential victory in the election. With anticipated viewership in the millions, the debates pose risks for both candidates amidst heightened voter scrutiny and shifting political landscapes.
Biden’s camp aims to leverage the debates to expose Trump’s vulnerabilities on key issues, including abortion rights. Conversely, Trump’s team views Biden’s verbal slip-ups as potential ammunition, capitalizing on concerns over the 81-year-old president’s age.
The first debate is slated post the G7 Summit in Italy’s conclusion on June 15th and follows Trump’s ongoing legal proceedings in New York. Biden’s acquiescence underscores strategic willingness to enhance polling figures, particularly in crucial battleground states, amidst persisting economic concerns.
Trump’s recent challenge for one-on-one debates before some states’ early voting commences underscores his proactive stance. Meanwhile, Biden’s team stipulates that only networks hosting debates for both parties in the 2016 and 2020 cycles are eligible to host this year, limiting options to CNN, Telemundo, CBS News, and ABC News.
