President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump have agreed to participate in at least two debates before the election, a departure from the traditional structure of presidential debates. The first debate is scheduled for June 27, hosted by CNN in Atlanta. This early debate date is unusual, as it will take place before both candidates are officially nominated.
Additionally, a second debate has been set for September 10, hosted by ABC News. Both candidates aim to conclude the debates before early voting begins in September, allowing them to focus on campaigning in the final weeks leading up to the election. This accelerated debate schedule deviates from the usual timing of presidential debates, which typically occur after Labor Day.
Unlike previous debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates, the upcoming debates between Biden and Trump will not involve the commission. Both candidates have expressed dissatisfaction with the debate process and the organization itself. The terms and structure of the debates are still being finalized, with CNN planning to host their debate without an audience, in accordance with Biden’s team’s preference.
Moderators for the debates have been announced, with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash set to moderate the CNN debate, and David Muir and Linsey Davis moderating the ABC News debate. The candidates’ microphones will be cut off when they exceed their allotted time during the debates.
The debates between Biden and Trump are scheduled to proceed as planned, with both candidates committing to participate. However, it is not unprecedented for a presidential debate to be canceled, as seen in the 2020 election cycle when a debate had to be scrapped due to disagreements over virtual participation. Despite the potential for challenges, the debates are expected to be crucial moments in the lead-up to the election.
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