President Biden and Trump Agree to Two Debates with Special Conditions, CNN and ABC to Host

After a recent challenge from President Joe Biden, two debates have been scheduled between him and his predecessor, Donald Trump. Both candidates have agreed to participate in these high-stakes events that will shape the upcoming election.

The first presidential debate

The first presidential debate is set to be aired by CNN on June 27 at 9 p.m. ET in Atlanta, with no studio audience. The second debate will be hosted by ABC News on September 10. However, Trump's campaign has called for two additional debates, one in July and the other in August.

Biden's Challenge

President Biden boldly challenged Trump to debate him twice under special conditions. He released a video earlier daring Trump to take on the challenge, to which Trump responded, "Just tell me when, I'll be there." This exchange has set the stage for an intense face-off between the two leaders.

Debate Conditions

Biden's campaign has insisted that the showdowns would be held by media organizations without the involvement of the non-partisan commission that typically organizes presidential debates. The campaign also stressed on having only the two major party candidates and a moderator, with no studio audience for both showdowns.

CNN has specified that the June debate will only include candidates who appear on a "sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency." Additionally, participants need to receive "at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting."

Response to Commission on Presidential Debates

In a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates, Biden's campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon declined to participate in the debates scheduled for September 16, October 1, and October 9. She stated that the commission model for these debates is out of step with changes in the structure of elections and the interests of voters.

Biden's Proposal

Biden's campaign has proposed that the first debate take place in June after the expected end of Trump's New York hush money trial and Biden's appearance at the G7 Summit. They have also suggested that the vice presidential debate take place in the last half of July and the second presidential debate in September.

Exclusion of Other Candidates

The debates would exclude any other candidate for the White House, including Robert Kennedy Jr., who has objected to the chance of being blocked from participating in the debates with Biden and Trump.

Trump, in his Truth Social post, accepted Biden's challenge and is ready to debate in June and September. He recommended having more than two debates and holding them in large venues for excitement purposes.

Debate Expectations

Given Biden's popularity issues and the recent poll findings, these debates are expected to be highly consequential in shaping the public's perception of the candidates and their policies. They will provide a platform for both leaders to address critical issues and present their vision for the future of the nation.