In a highly anticipated showdown, former President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to engage in two debates with President Joe Biden this year. However, Biden's campaign has outlined its own set of terms, refusing to participate in the traditional schedule and format established by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce his readiness for the debates, aligning with the proposed June and November dates. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee had previously announced its departure from the Commission on Presidential Debates due to concerns over timing and allegations of bias.

Biden's campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, released a letter expressing the president's willingness to participate in two debates hosted by broadcast organizations. O'Malley Dillon criticized the commission for being "out of step" with changes in election structures and voter interests. She emphasized the need for debates in a television studio setting, akin to the original televised debates in 1960, to ensure a more cost-efficient and focused discussion.

The Biden campaign laid out specific terms, including open microphones only during the candidates' speaking time and exclusion of third-party or independent candidates. O'Malley Dillon argued that debates should solely feature the two candidates with a statistical chance of prevailing in the Electoral College, for the purpose of enabling voters to make meaningful comparisons.

Biden further announced on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), that he had received and accepted an invitation from CNN for a debate on June 27. This conflicts with the Commission on Presidential Debates' previous announcement that there would be three debates in September and October.

The Biden campaign's objections extend to the raucous and disruptive audiences present during debates, which they believe detract from the substantive discussion. O'Malley Dillon stated that a television studio format with just the candidates and moderators would be a more effective way to proceed.

Biden's proposed debate schedule includes a late June debate following his return from the G7 summit in Italy, which would coincide with the likely conclusion of Trump's New York trial. Additionally, an early September debate is intended to influence early voting, while the vice presidential debate is suggested for late July, post-Republican National Convention.

While Trump suggested an even greater number of debates and the inclusion of large crowds for excitement, Biden's campaign remains focused on a tightly controlled and focused environment.

The clash over presidential debates reflects the changing landscape of politics and differing views on how these critical events should be conducted. As the nation anticipates these showdowns, the outcome of these negotiations will shape the nature and format of future electoral debates.