Joe Biden and Donald Trump to face off in two televised debates | US News
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have confirmed their participation in two live televised debates in June and September.
After much speculation about the possibility of the traditional presidential debates, CNN has announced that a primetime debate will be held at its global headquarters in Atlanta on 27 June at 9pm.
ABC will host a second debate on 10 September, just before the election on 5 November.
Former President Trump has been urging President Biden to participate in a debate through social media and rallies.
“Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace,” Mr Trump has repeatedly stated.
Following uncertainty about President Biden’s willingness to engage in a live debate, the president confirmed in a late April radio interview that he would be “happy” to participate.
“I am happy to debate him,” he said. “I am, somewhere. I don’t know when,” he told SiriusXM radio host Howard Stern.
This revelation led to discussions between staff from both campaigns to establish a format for the debates.
The debates will not involve the presidential debate commission that typically coordinates the process.
Biden and Trump during a presidential debate in Nashville in 2020. Pic: Reuters
Mr Biden’s team have insisted that the two debates do not include a live audience, a decision that the Trump team has reportedly accepted.
An hour before CNN’s announcement of the first debate, President Biden released a clip affirming his willingness to participate.
“Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate,” President Biden said.
“Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal. I’ll even do it twice. So let’s pick the dates, Donald.”
In a reference to Mr Trump’s court case in New York, Mr Biden added: “I hear you’re free on Wednesdays.”
‘He can’t put two sentences together’
Donald Trump responded with a lengthy statement on his own social media platform, Truth Social.
“Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I have ever faced – He can’t put two sentences together! Crooked is also the WORST President in the history of the United States, by far,” he said.
“It’s time for a debate so that he can explain to the American People his highly destructive Open Border Policy, new and ridiculous EV Mandates, the allowance of Crushing Inflation, High Taxes, and his really WEAK Foreign Policy which is allowing the World to ‘Catch on Fire.'”
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The former president continued: “I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September.
“I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds – That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. ‘Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!'”
The summer and autumn clashes, to be moderated by as-yet unannounced star anchors, promise to be box office occasions with huge jeopardy for both candidates.
