As the 2024 presidential election looms, the political landscape is abuzz with the prospect of a highly anticipated rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The two political heavyweights, who faced off in the 2020 election, are once again poised to take center stage in a series of debates that could shape the course of the nation.
The Biden campaign announced Wednesday its decision to forgo the traditional presidential debates organized by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).
Citing concerns over the commission's inability to "enforce the rules" during the 2020 debates, the Biden team has instead proposed two standalone debates with Trump, to be held earlier in the campaign season.
In a letter, the Biden campaign proposed debate dates in June and September.
“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 in a direct-to-camera video released Wednesday.
“Well, make my day, pal, I’ll even do it twice. So let’s pick the dates, Donald – I hear you’re free on Wednesdays,” Biden said.
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The Biden campaign's decision to bypass the CPD is rooted in several key factors. Firstly, they argue that the scheduled debates would take place too late in the process, after millions of Americans have already cast their ballots through early voting. Secondly, they view the CPD's debate model as antiquated, focused more on "huge spectacles" rather than substantive discussions.
This move by the Biden camp could have significant implications for the electoral landscape. By taking control of the debate format, the Biden team aims to shape the narrative and potentially gain an advantage over their Republican counterpart. However, it also raises questions about the future of the CPD's role in the presidential election process.
In response to the Biden campaign's proposal, former President Trump has expressed his willingness to participate in the two debates suggested by the Biden team. In a statement, Trump indicated that the proposed dates in June and September are "fully acceptable" to him, even jokingly offering to provide his own transportation.
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"Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I have ever faced - He can’t put two sentences together! Crooked is also the WORST President in the history of the United States, by far. It’s time for a debate so that he can explain to the American People his highly destructive Open Border Policy, new and ridiculous EV Mandates, the allowance of Crushing Inflation, High Taxes, and his really WEAK Foreign Policy, which is allowing the World to "Catch on Fire," said Trump on Truth Social.
"I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September. I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds - That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!” said Trump.
Trump's eagerness to engage in the proposed debates is not surprising, given his long-standing criticism of the CPD. The Republican National Committee has previously disavowed the commission, arguing that its candidates would not cooperate with the organization.
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While the Biden campaign has proposed two debates, Trump has hinted that he would recommend more than the suggested number. This could lead to further negotiations and potentially a more comprehensive debate schedule.
Both the Biden and Trump campaigns have raised concerns about the CPD's debate schedule, which they argue comes too late in the process, with some states already having started their early voting periods.
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