Joe Biden and Donald Trump agreed to two face-to-face live televised debates in June and September.
After months of speculation about whether the traditional presidential debates would take place, the American network CNN has announced that a prime-time debate will take place at its world headquarters in Atlanta on June 27 at 9 p.m.
The June debate on CNN occurs much earlier in the election cycle than tradition dictates. It will be moderated by CNN anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. There will be no live audience.
ABC will host a second debate, scheduled for September 10, just under two months before the November 5 election.
For weeks, former President Trump has been using social media and rallies to incite president biden to participate in a debate.
“Anytime. Anywhere. Anywhere.” Mr Trump has said repeatedly.
Amid speculation about whether President Biden would be willing to expose himself to the pressure and danger of a live debate, the president used a radio interview in late April to confirm that he would be “happy” to do so.
“I’m happy to debate with him,” he said. “I’m somewhere. I don’t know when,” he told SiriusFM radio host Howard Stern.
That revelation sparked side conversations between staff from the two campaigns to agree on a format.
The debates will bypass the presidential debate commission that traditionally coordinates the process.
Biden and Trump during a presidential debate in Nashville in 2020. Photo: Reuters
Biden’s team has insisted that the two debates not include a live audience, a move Trump’s team is understood to have agreed to.
An hour before CNN announced it would host the first debate, President Biden posted a clip of X confirming his willingness to participate.
“Donald Trump lost two debates against me in 2020. He has not appeared in any debates since,” President Biden said.
“Now you act like you want to debate me again. Well, make my day, buddy. I’ll even do it twice. So let’s pick the dates, Donald.”
In a mockery of Trump’s court case In New York, which does not meet on Wednesdays, Biden added: “I heard you’re free on Wednesdays.”
“You can’t put two sentences together”
Donald Trump responded with a lengthy statement on his own social media platform, Truth Social.
“Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I’ve ever faced. He can’t string two sentences together! Crooked is also, by far, the WORST president in American history,” he said.
“It’s time for a debate so you can explain to the American people your highly destructive open borders policy, your ridiculous new electric vehicle mandates, your concession to crushing inflation, high taxes, and your truly WEAK foreign policy that is allowing the world ‘ Catch fire.'”
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The former president continued: “I am ready and willing to debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times, in June and September.
“I would highly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement’s sake, 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 for the party!!!'”
The summer and fall confrontations promise to be blockbuster occasions with great risks for both candidates.
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