Staff Reports
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to face off in debates, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The terms of the debates heavily favor the incumbent, with no live audience participation and no interruptions or commentary during the other candidate’s answers. The ground rules appear to work against many of Trump’s proven debate tactics, potentially putting him at a disadvantage.
Biden taunted Trump in his announcement, pointing out that Trump had lost both of their debates in 2020. Additionally, Trump boycotted the Republican primary debates this time around, which resulted in the 2024 GOP field being unable to share a stage with him. Trump has consistently pushed for debates with Biden, believing that the contrast between his vigor and Biden’s will be sufficient to warrant any debate.
Do you agree Donald Trump would destroy Joe Biden in a debate?
YES or NO? pic.twitter.com/bOLx8srBkq
— The Trump Train 🚂🇺🇸 (@The_Trump_Train) May 16, 2024
The debates carry risks for both candidates. If Trump were to have a verbal flub or show his age, it could erode one of his major advantages over Biden. On the other hand, if Republicans set expectations for Biden too low, it might make it easier for the president to meet or exceed them. BIden’s advanced age has become a huge liability in his reelection campaign, and Trump may attempt to capitalize on this during the debates.
It’s worth noting that the historical effects of debates on the November results are highly debatable. Furthermore, there is speculation about independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential impact on the debates, with the possibility of reaching the 15% national polling threshold to qualify for the debates. Both campaigns have expressed mutual interest in excluding Kennedy from the debates.
The debates between Biden and Trump are likely to be a highly anticipated and crucial aspect of the upcoming election, as both candidates seek to sway voters and solidify their positions.
