Former President Donald Trump’s campaign managers criticized the Commission on Presidential Debates for sticking to the original debate schedule despite calls from the Trump campaign to move the dates earlier and add more debates. They extended an invitation to all television networks in America to host a debate and called on President Joe Biden’s campaign to set up a debate as soon as possible. Republicans have been urging for debates between Trump and Biden to take place as early as possible.
The Trump campaign managers expressed disappointment that the debate schedule starts after millions of Americans have already cast their ballots, stating that this is unacceptable and a disservice to the American public who deserve to hear from both candidates before voting begins. They emphasized Trump’s willingness to debate Biden anytime, anywhere, and called on Biden’s team to coordinate with them to set up a debate, stressing that they are committed to making it happen with or without the Presidential Debate Commission. They reiterated their invitation to all television networks in America to host a debate.
Despite the Trump campaign’s calls for earlier debates, the Commission on Presidential Debates told Fox News that it is sticking to its original schedule. The commission stated that its criteria would be applied in early September, after which debate invitations would be extended to qualifying candidates. They also mentioned that production and broadcast plans at the four debate sites were proceeding as announced in November 2023. The commission’s decision to maintain the original schedule was in response to the Trump campaign’s requests to move up the dates.
The Trump campaign reiterated its commitment to having a debate with Biden, with or without the commission’s involvement. They called on all television networks in America to host a debate and urged Biden’s team to work with them to set up a debate as soon as possible. The campaign managers emphasized the importance of allowing the American people to hear from both candidates before voting begins, highlighting Trump’s willingness to debate Biden at any time and place. The campaign’s criticism of the commission’s refusal to move up the debates suggests a desire for a more timely and accessible debate schedule.
CNN reached out to the Commission on Presidential Debates but did not receive a response. The commission’s decision to stick to the original schedule despite the Trump campaign’s calls for earlier debates indicates a potential disagreement between the two parties regarding the timing of the debates. The commission’s criteria for extending debate invitations to qualifying candidates in early September suggests a commitment to the established process, regardless of external pressures. The Trump campaign’s continued efforts to set up a debate with Biden underscore their determination to provide the American public with an opportunity to hear from both candidates before the election.
