Biden and Trump Avoid Presidential Debate Commission
The Commission on Presidential Debates, established in 1987 to ensure that presidential debates take place and reach a wide audience, faces an uncertain future after President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to meet on their own for debates in June and September on CNN and ABC, respectively. This agreement bypasses the commission’s planned debates, raising questions about its role moving forward.
Frank Fahrenkopf, chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates, expressed optimism just a day before the announcement of the Biden-Trump agreement, believing that the candidates would eventually agree to participate in the commission’s debates. However, the campaigns criticized the commission’s plans, including the dates set in September and October, leading to the decision to hold separate debates.
The commission, known for setting neutral rules and providing a platform broadcasted on major networks, indicated that it is not ready to abandon its plans entirely. Their statement emphasized the importance of hosting debates at locations of higher learning to reach a broad audience and accommodate early voters.
In the past, candidates have considered skipping debates or seeking alternatives before ultimately participating, with the exception of one debate canceled in 2020 when Trump refused to participate virtually due to his COVID-19 diagnosis. Fahrenkopf highlighted the significance of televised debates in allowing voters to assess the candidates’ personalities and conduct.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the future of the Commission on Presidential Debates remains uncertain. While the Biden-Trump agreement may signal a shift in how debates are organized, the commission continues to emphasize the importance of providing a platform for candidates to engage in meaningful discussions and reach a broad audience.
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