In a heated development in the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump has proposed a third debate with Joe Biden for October, but Biden's campaign has declined the offer.
According to Daily Mail, Trump and Biden have agreed to two presidential debates scheduled for June and September 2024, while discussions continue over the possibility of additional debates.
Trump's latest proposal, made on May 15, 2024, suggests a debate on October 2nd hosted by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. However, Biden's campaign has firmly rejected any debates beyond the two already planned. Biden's campaign manager cites Trump’s history of breaking debate rules as a reason for limiting the debates.
Trump has accepted Biden's proposal for two debates but insists on adding more. He suggested that more debates would allow the American public to hear from the candidates. Trump expressed doubts about Biden’s willingness to participate, citing Biden’s past debate performance and alleging he fears large crowds.
In response, Biden's campaign has maintained a strict stance. Campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon stated that Biden’s terms for the debates are clear and non-negotiable. She emphasized that Trump’s acceptance of the two proposed debates should eliminate any further "games" or "chaos."
The first debate, set for June 27th, will be hosted by CNN and moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The second debate is scheduled for September 10th, hosted by ABC News. Biden's campaign has outlined specific conditions for these debates, including no audience, strict enforcement of speaking times, and a refusal to participate in events overseen by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Biden's campaign manager accused Trump of historically manipulating debate rules and not consistently showing up. The refusal to engage in debates moderated by the Commission on Presidential Debates stems from perceived failures in enforcing rules during the 2020 debates. Biden's team also created a new debate format proposal managed by networks like CBS News, ABC News, CNN, and Telemundo.
Biden appeared confident in his video message initiating the debate challenge, saying, "Go ahead, make my day." He reiterated his acceptance of the September debate on social media, humorously mentioning Trump's self-arranged transportation. Biden expressed his readiness to debate, underscoring that he is looking forward to the opportunity.
Trump, on the other hand, continued to push for more debates. He criticized Biden's debating abilities in a series of statements and repeated his call for additional debate dates. Trump's campaign managers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, argued that multiple debates would better inform the American public, especially considering the early voting schedule.
Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized his exclusion from the debates, accusing Trump and Biden of limiting the field to a two-person race.
He argued that many Americans desire more options for presidential candidates. Trump and Biden have confirmed their participation in the two agreed-upon debates.
Trump wants more debate opportunities, while Biden's team insists on limiting the number to two. The June 27th and September 10th debates will be pivotal in the 2024 presidential campaign.
In conclusion, the back-and-forth between Trump and Biden over the number of debates underscores the intense nature of the 2024 presidential race. Trump's proposal for a third debate has been declined by Biden's campaign, citing past experiences and the need for order. As the agreed-upon debate dates approach, the nation waits to see how these crucial events will unfold and impact the election outcome.
