The time has finally come.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in two general election debates, scheduled for June 27 and Sept. 10. The first debate, hosted by CNN in Atlanta on June 27, will take place without an audience to maximize debate time. Details such as moderators will be announced later. This agreement came after Biden proposed two debates in a television studio, breaking from tradition, and Trump accepted the challenge, although he disagreed with the absence of a crowd.
Biden confirmed his acceptance of CNN’s invitation for the June 27 debate during an appearance on X, inviting Trump to meet the challenge. Trump’s team also agreed to the CNN debate in Atlanta, acknowledging the absence of an audience for the first debate. Additionally, both candidates accepted an invitation from ABC News for a second debate on Sept. 10.
CNN’s debate criteria potentially allow other candidates to join the stage, although meeting the requirements poses a challenge. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has met CNN’s 15% national polling threshold in two qualifying polls and requires just two more to fulfill the polling criteria. However, CNN stipulated that participating candidates must be listed on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold before the eligibility deadline, set for June 20.
The public agreement for the debates follows private discussions between the Biden and Trump campaigns, focusing on meetings independent of the commission. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that officials from both camps had informal conversations about debates in recent weeks. However, the criteria set by CNN, resembling those of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), may make it challenging for additional candidates to join the stage.
The confirmation of the debate dates and formats underscores the significance of the upcoming presidential debates in shaping public opinion and influencing the election outcome. As the campaign season progresses, candidates will likely intensify their preparations for these pivotal events, aiming to convey their messages effectively to the electorate and gain a competitive edge in the race for the presidency.
