In a joint statement, twelve prominent news organizations have urged presumptive presidential nominees Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates, highlighting the long-standing tradition of debates in every general election campaign since 1976. The organizations include ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, PBS, NBC, NPR, The Associated Press, C-SPAN, NewsNation, Univision, and USA Today.

While Trump has expressed his willingness to debate his 2020 rival, Biden has not committed to debating him once again. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates has already set the schedule for three presidential and one vice presidential forums, and the organizations believe it is essential for each campaign to publicly declare their participation.

The news organizations emphasized the significance of debates during these exceptionally high-stakes elections, stating that there is no substitute for candidates discussing their visions for the future of the nation before the American people.

The third debate in 2020, scheduled between Biden and Trump, was canceled after the former president tested positive for COVID-19 and refused to debate remotely. Biden had previously indicated that his participation in future debates would depend on Trump's behavior, as the first debate was marked by heated exchanges and interruptions.

In response to the news organizations' call, the Trump campaign managers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, stated in a letter that the president is willing to debate anytime, anywhere, and any place, emphasizing the historical significance of debates such as the seven Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858.

The Republican National Committee decided in 2022 to no longer participate in forums organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates, though the Trump campaign has not yet clarified whether it will adhere to this decision. However, the campaign does have certain conditions, including assurances of fair and impartial debates and an adjusted timetable to accommodate early voters.

The Biden campaign declined to comment on the news organizations' letter, referring back to the president's earlier statement. The Trump campaign has not yet responded.

Interestingly, during a recent rally in northeast Pennsylvania, Trump showcased two lecterns on stage. He used one to deliver his speech and pointed to the second lectern symbolizing Biden's refusal to debate him, with a placard reading "Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace."

The news organizations' call for debates comes at a time when television news ratings have significantly declined compared to the 2020 campaign, with factors such as cord-cutting and the ongoing pandemic playing a role. The lack of Democratic debates this presidential cycle, coupled with Trump's refusal to participate in GOP forums, has also contributed to decreased interest in debates.

As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen whether Biden and Trump will commit to debating each other and engage in a constructive dialogue before the American people, providing crucial insights into their respective visions for the nation's future.