Biden Campaign Rejects Additional Debates Proposed by Trump Campaign
ICARO Media Group
President Joe Biden's campaign has rejected two additional debates proposed by former President Donald Trump's campaign, stating that there would be "no more debate about debates." Trump had announced his acceptance of a fourth Presidential Debate against Biden, this time with NBC & Telemundo, aiming to reach larger Latino and Black audiences.
Trump's decision to accept debates on platforms that would have a wider reach seemed to be an attempt to goad the Biden campaign, which has been struggling to connect with these communities, despite their critical support during the 2020 election. As part of the acceptance, Trump's campaign also agreed to a Vice Presidential Debate on Fox News, while the Biden campaign accepted an offer for a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News.
The debate negotiations between the two campaigns went outside the traditional process run by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Instead, they came to an agreement for two presidential debates: one hosted by CNN in Atlanta on June 27, and the other by ABC News on September 10. The location for the latter is yet to be determined.
A spokesperson for NBC News confirmed that the network had offered a debate to both campaigns. However, the Biden campaign has decided not to participate in these additional debates. The Biden campaign official stated, "The debate about debates is over. No more games."
While CNN has announced that it will not have a studio audience at its debate, the requirements for the candidates to appear on stage for both presidential debates include being on the ballot in enough states to reach at least 270 electoral votes, accepting "the rules and format of the debate," and receiving at least 15% in four national polls of registered or likely voters.
The Trump and Biden campaigns swiftly reached an agreement following public challenges and private, informal conversations between the two candidates. Biden's campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, stated, "No more chaos, no more debate about debates. We'll see Donald Trump on June 27th in Atlanta - if he shows up."
As of now, the Trump campaign, as well as CBS News, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the status of the proposed Vice Presidential Debate.
In conclusion, the Biden campaign has declined the offer for additional debates put forth by the Trump campaign, standing firm on their decision to participate in the previously agreed-upon debates scheduled with CNN and ABC News.