A coalition of media outlets published a statement Sunday urging President Biden and former President Trump to publicly commit to debates ahead of the November election.
“General election debates have a rich tradition in our American democracy, having played a vital role in every presidential election over the past 50 years, dating back to 1976,” the news organizations wrote. “In each of these elections, tens of millions of people watched the candidates debate side by side in a competition of ideas for the votes of American citizens.”
The group noted that the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which has sponsored the debates since 1988, has already announced dates, times and eligibility criteria for the 2024 debates, and urged candidates to make the decision to participate now.
“While it is too early for invitations to be extended to any candidates, it is not too early for candidates hoping to meet the eligibility criteria to publicly declare their support for – and their intention to participate in – the Commission debates planned for this autumn . ”, the media wrote.
“If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high,” they added. “Amid this backdrop, there is simply no substitute for candidates debating among themselves and, before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation.”
Biden and Trump won enough delegates to win their respective primaries earlier this year — paving the way for a rematch in the 2020 election.
The former president also pressured Biden to agree to a debate, saying he would meet “anytime, anywhere.” His campaign wrote to the committee earlier this week, asking them to move up the schedule of planned debates.
Trump, who was absent from the Republican Party’s debate stage this cycle, argued that the two possible candidates have an “obligation” to face each other before the election, adding that this is “for the good of our country.”
The incumbent has not ruled out debates, but said last month that his decision depends on Trump’s behavior.
In its request, the media group wished the two candidates to make their decision as soon as possible.
Outlets include ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, C-Span, NPR and PBS Newshour, among others. NewsNation, owned by The Hill’s parent company Nexstar Media Group, also signed the statement.
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