Biden and Trump Find Common Ground On Debate Traditions

President Biden announced Wednesday that he won’t attend debates hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), and instead proposed two debates with former president Donald Trump.

For Context: Biden proposed on X his plans to debate Trump. Trump accepted the offer, but how the events will be organized remains unclear. Without the CPD, the two sides must decide on networks, moderators, venues, and rules.

Key Quotes: Biden said on X, “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again.” In response, Trump said, "I'm ready to go.”  “Let's see if Joe can make it to the stand-up podium." 

Common Ground: The CPD has overseen presidential debates for over three decades. Biden and Trump agree the CPD has conducted debates poorly, with both parties citing instances of unfair microphone volumes. Each also stressed the need to debate before voters go to the polls. While the debates haven’t been formally scheduled, they’re expected to happen in June and September.

How the Media Covered It: Media across the spectrum highlighted Trump and Biden’s mutual disdain for the CPD. The New York Times (Lean Left bias) said the move by Biden shows he is “willing to take some calculated risks to reverse his fortunes” in battleground states. Outlets on the right like Fox News (Right bias) tended to focus more on Trump’s acceptance of the debate challenge rather than Biden’s proposal.