Youngkin accuses Biden of neglecting Virginia State University

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin criticized President Joe Biden for pulling out of a debate at Virginia State University (VSU).

Biden and former President Donald Trump had agreed to hold two campaign debates after the president declined to participate in fall debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), the nonpartisan commission that has organized the events for over three decades.

VSU was selected to host the second of three presidential debates in a series chosen by the commission. The event was scheduled to take place on October 1, marking the first time a historically Black college or university (HBCU) would host such an event.

Youngkin criticized Biden for “turning his back on students” at VSU.

“The Biden campaign is refusing to take part in a significant presidential debate at VSU, an outstanding university and HBCU. Joe Biden is abandoning students, Virginians, and the nation because he is unable to defend his failing policies,” Youngkin stated on X. “A notable snub to VSU and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Prior to Biden’s decision to drop out of the CPD debates, his campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, had reportedly expressed concerns about the timing of the debates in a letter to the commission.

According to The Washington Post, O’Malley Dillon wrote to the CPD to voice objections to the proposed debate dates, which would coincide with the start of early voting for some Americans.

She also raised concerns about past rule breaches and the commission’s insistence on hosting the debates in front of live audiences.

The commission defended its chosen dates, with the first debate set for September 16.

“The CPD intentionally selected September 16 after conducting a thorough review of early voting regulations in every state,” the commission stated in a statement. “Early in-person voting in North Carolina does not commence until October 17. On September 16, the day of the first debate, Pennsylvania voters can obtain, complete, and return ballots to their county boards of elections. Every other state commences early voting later, based on the most recent information available.”

The commission’s debate series also included events in Texas and Utah.