A coalition of twelve prominent US major news organizations, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, and The Associated Press, collectively urged President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to publicly commit to participating in presidential debates leading up to the November election.

The joint statement stressed the pivotal role debates have played in American democracy over the past five decades, emphasizing their significance in shaping public discourse and informing voters' decisions, CBS News reports.

The news outlets called for the debates to be sponsored by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, consistent with the tradition upheld since 1988.

While acknowledging that it is premature to extend invitations to candidates, the statement underscored the importance of candidates publicly endorsing and committing to participating in the commission's debates planned for the fall.

The signatories comprised a diverse array of Major news organizations, including major network television outlets, wire services, radio, and print media.

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Trump's Challenge and Biden's Response

Former President Donald Trump, known for his reluctance to engage in debates during the previous election cycle, has recently challenged President Joe Biden to a one-on-one matchup, asserting his readiness to debate anytime and anywhere.

Trump's campaign advisers have also advocated for an accelerated debate timetable, proposing more than the customary three events and an earlier start to the debates, Reuters noted.

While Biden has not categorically ruled out debating Trump, he has expressed reservations, citing concerns about Trump's adherence to debate rules and his behavior on stage.

Trump, 77, has questioned Biden's cognitive abilities, while Biden, 81, has reciprocated with similar allegations against Trump.

The White House has expressed hesitance to commit to debates, citing apprehensions about the Commission on Presidential Debates' ability to ensure fairness.

Biden's stance on participating in debates remains contingent upon Trump's behavior, reflecting concerns about maintaining decorum and avoiding a repeat of the contentious exchanges witnessed during the 2020 debates.

Debate Format and Proposal for Additional Debates

The televised debates are slated for September and October, but Trump's campaign has called for an earlier and expanded debate schedule, citing the escalating trend of early voting observed in recent elections, according to BBC.

Campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita emphasized the need for more debates to accommodate the evolving dynamics of the electoral process.

The 2020 presidential debates between Biden and Trump were characterized by acrimony and interruptions, prompting widespread criticism and concerns about the efficacy of the debate format.

The call for Joe Biden and Donald Trump to commit to debates underscores the significance of this time-honored tradition in fostering informed civic engagement and democratic deliberation.

As the election season unfolds, the public awaits a definitive response from both candidates regarding their willingness to participate in debates amid ongoing discussions about the format, frequency, and conduct of these pivotal events.

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Written by: Ross Key

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