Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin criticized President Biden for refusing to participate in a debate scheduled by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) at Virginia State University (VSU), an historically Black college or university (HBCU). Trump had agreed to two debates with Biden, one on June 27 and the other on Sept. 10, hosted by CNN and ABC respectively. However, Biden’s campaign sent a letter to the CPD outlining restrictions for the debate, like not having an audience and conducting it in a TV studio with only the candidates and moderator. Trump accepted the proposed timeline by Biden, urging him to follow through with the debates.
The CPD had initially set the sites and dates for three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate during the 2024 general election. The debates were scheduled to take place at Texas State University, Virginia State University, and the University of Utah, with the vice presidential debate set for Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. VSU expressed disappointment over reports suggesting the presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled debate at the university, emphasizing the significance of hosting a general election debate as the first HBCU selected for such an event.
Youngkin criticized Biden for turning his back on students, Virginians, and the nation by refusing to participate in the historic debate at VSU. He accused Biden of avoiding the debate because he couldn’t defend his failing policies. Despite the restrictions imposed by Biden’s campaign, Trump expressed readiness to debate anywhere, including through the CPD, which he claimed was controlled by Democrats. VSU acknowledged the importance of hosting a presidential debate as a significant win for the campus community and the greater community as a whole.
After learning that the presidential debates would not take place at VSU, the university released a statement expressing disappointment at the potential withdrawal of the candidates. VSU highlighted the significance of being the first HBCU selected to host a general election U.S. Presidential debate, stating that the event’s significance welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process. The school committed to working closely with the CPD and other stakeholders as they assessed the situation. Neither the Biden nor Trump campaigns responded immediately to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
In conclusion, Gov. Youngkin criticized President Biden for refusing to participate in a historic debate at VSU, accusing him of avoiding the debate due to an inability to defend his policies. Despite Biden’s team outlining restrictions for the debate, Trump expressed readiness to debate anywhere. VSU expressed disappointment over reports suggesting the candidates may not participate in the scheduled debate and emphasized the significance of hosting a presidential debate as the first HBCU selected for such an event. The university expressed commitment to contributing to the democratic process and working closely with the CPD and other stakeholders. Neither the Biden nor Trump campaigns responded immediately to requests for comment.
