The debate on whether to debate has been the subject of much discussion among political candidates, with Donald Trump initially reluctant to engage in debates during the primaries. However, Joe Biden surprised everyone by agreeing to two debates amid abysmal poll numbers. Trump, who had been demanding a side-by-side comparison, quickly accepted the challenge. The speed at which both camps agreed to the debates on CNN and ABC raised questions about whether it was “rigged.” Key details, such as moderators, remain to be worked out, but Trump appears to have agreed to two key conditions set by Biden, including no audience and a mute button to prevent interruptions.
Biden’s team has been hesitant to let him loose in a debate, believing that his superior knowledge will become evident in a no-frills format. Both candidates have different goals for the debates, with Trump wanting a quiet debate focused on policy and Biden hoping to prevent a replay of their first debate in 2020, where Trump constantly interrupted or talked over him. In a snarky video, Biden challenged Trump to debate him again, and Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Biden the worst debater he has ever faced but agreeing to the debates. These debates could have a significant impact on the election, similar to the Reagan-Carter debate in 1980.
The decision to engage in debates could be a game-changer for Biden, who was on track to lose the election. His team must have recognized the need to do something to shake things up. The belief that Trump being cooped up in a Manhattan courthouse will benefit the president by giving the public more exposure to him. On the other hand, Trump’s physical presence and bombastic style may offer a favorable contrast to Biden’s elderly appearance and thin voice. There is a sense that Trump can focus and exercise discipline when needed, based on previous interactions with him during interviews.
The decision to engage in debates could mark the end of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has handled fall events since 1988. The Commission, seen as a dinosaur locked into traditional formats with loud audiences and moderators chosen from the same pool, may no longer be relevant. Both candidates opting to bypass the bipartisan panel could potentially change the landscape of future debates. While there is speculation that Trump may find reasons to back out, it seems unlikely, given his previous acceptance. Biden’s decision to roll the dice and engage in debates reflects a calculated gamble, and the outcome will determine whether his strategy pays off in the election.
