In an unusual move, the five major broadcast and cable news networks have prepared a joint open letter that urges President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump to participate in televised debates ahead of Election Day, according to two people with direct knowledge of their plans.
“Unusual” is an understatement. Most cycles, no one has any doubts that the presidential debates will occur as scheduled. Trump helped open this door by refusing to debate his primary opponents, but lately Trump has been boasting that he’ll debate Biden “anytime, any place.” Earlier this year, Biden allies like Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Chris Coons of Delaware floated the idea that Biden shouldn’t debate Trump because it would “elevate” his opponent.
At any given moment, Biden could reassure the networks and the general public by issuing a simple statement — “I pledge that I will participate in the 2024 general election debates.” But Biden hasn’t done that and has left the door open to skipping them.
In March, when asked, “Will you commit to a debate with former President Trump?,” Biden replied, “it depends on his behavior.” That certainly sounds like laying the groundwork for backing out, alleging that Trump has done something unacceptable. And betting that Trump will do something provocative or outrageous between now and autumn is just about the safest bet in the world. Biden could point to just about any raging message from the former president on Truth Social and declare that Trump has misbehaved and thus that Trump does not deserve to share a stage with him.
Look, most of us can see what’s going on here. It was bad that Trump blew off the primary debates, not wanting to jeopardize his lead or provide any of his potential rivals with a shining moment in front of a big television audience.
It will be even worse if Biden ends the tradition of general election presidential debates since 1976 because he — or more likely, his staff — fears he’ll have a senior moment and look forgetful, confused, or befuddled. Most cycles, there are three presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate, each lasting about an hour and a half. If you can’t handle something like that, there’s no way you can handle four more years sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
Oh, and yes, yes, Biden was quite fired up in his State of the Union address in early March.
But that lone fairly energetic night didn’t change his job approval rating much, now did it?