President Joe Biden said he plans to debate former President Donald Trump before the November election. Here are the key points:
- Biden told reporters he would debate Trump but didn’t give details on timing or format
- Trump has pushed for a debate, saying Biden shouldn’t run if he can’t debate
- Biden’s staff has contradicted his comments about discussing the “indicted” Trump
- There are questions about whether Biden, 80, is mentally sharp enough for a debate
Will Biden debate his potential 2024 election rival Trump? Read on to learn more.
Biden Says He’s Ready for a Debate
When asked in an interview if he plans to debate Trump, President Biden responded:
“I don’t know if you’re going to debate your opponent. I am somewhere but I don’t know when. But I am happy to debate him.”
Biden’s response was unclear and rambling. However, he indicated that he was willing to debate Trump at some point.
Trump and his supporters have argued that if Biden cannot handle the mental strain of a debate, he should not be running for president. Trump has pushed for a discussion, saying he wants to take on all his potential opponents.
Biden Staff Contradicts Debate Comments
Despite Biden’s statement, his staff and campaign team have cast doubt on whether he will debate Trump. One Biden spokesperson said:
“The president does not plan to participate in events with the person still under indictment for trying to overturn the Constitution.”
It refers to Trump’s indictment related to the January 6th Capitol attack and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Many political analysts believe Biden’s team will try to avoid putting the 80-year-old president in a high-pressure debate situation where mental lapses could be caught on camera.
Debates Considered Crucial for Both Candidates
Historically, presidential debates have been essential campaign events that can sway voter opinions. They allow the candidates to promote their policies, attack their opponent’s record, and demonstrate their poise under scrutiny.
For Biden, debating could help undermine Trump’s claims that he is mentally unfit for office. An intense debate performance could ease concerns about his age.
For Trump, a debate allows him to spar directly with Biden and energize his base of supporters ahead of the election.
However, debates also carry risks for both men in their late 70s. Any major gaffes, insults or confusing statements could undercut their campaigns.
Debate Plans Still Uncertain
Currently, there are no officially scheduled debates between Biden and Trump. Both candidates have indicated a willingness to debate but traded barbs questioning each other’s capabilities.
If the debates happen, they will likely occur in late October, just before the November general election.
Networks have already invited Biden and Trump to participate, though the formats and moderators will need to be negotiated by the campaigns.
Any debates would draw substantial television audiences and could be some of the highest-stakes political events in recent memory.
Will the two septuagenarian candidates make it to the debate stage? Or will worries about age, stamina and potential gaffes keep them apart? Only time will tell as the 2024 campaign heats up.