What Shifts in Debate Rules Mean for the Biden-Trump Showdown

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in two presidential debates in June and September, marking a significant departure from traditional debate formats. The last time these political heavyweights clashed on stage was nearly four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they prepare to meet again, here’s what’s changing and why it matters.

Biden Throws Down the Gauntlet
On Wednesday, President Biden posted a video on social media challenging Trump to debate him twice before the November election. “Make my day, pal,” Biden said, adding, “I hear you’re free on Wednesdays—the only time Trump is not required to be in court for his hush money trial.” This bold move set the stage for a renewed political showdown.

Trump Punches Back
Trump quickly responded on his Truth Social network, branding Biden “the WORST debater I have ever faced.” “Just tell me when,” Trump wrote. “I’ll be there.” This exchange underscored the high stakes and intense rivalry between the two candidates.

The Networks Issue Invitations and the Candidates Accept
Within hours, Biden and Trump tentatively agreed to two debates: one on June 27 in Atlanta, hosted by CNN, and another on September 10, hosted by ABC News. These dates and details will be finalized after further negotiations, marking a significant shift from the usual debate schedule.

What’s Different This Time — And Why
Biden’s campaign chair released a letter outlining new terms for the debates, which have been accepted by both parties. These changes break significantly from tradition:

• New Debate Schedule:
  Biden declined to participate in the usual three general election debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, originally scheduled for September 16, October 1, and October 9. Instead, he proposed negotiating directly with Trump and news organizations to plan two debates of their own.
• Earlier Debates:
  The debates are set to start earlier, in June, to better influence early voters.
• Controlled Environment:
  The debates will take place in a television studio with only the candidates and moderators present. Microphones will be cut off when a candidate’s allotted time ends, eliminating the presence of raucous or disruptive partisans and donors.

The Strategy Behind Biden’s Demands
Biden’s campaign states that the changes are necessary because the “Presidential Commission model… is out of step with changes in the structure of our elections and the interests of voters.” Early voting is crucial for Democrats, and holding debates further from Election Day gives Biden more time to recover from potential onstage missteps.

Why Trump Was Eager to Accept
Trump initially quibbled with Biden’s conditions, suggesting more debates and larger venues for added excitement. However, Trump’s team has also criticized the commission and favored earlier, independent debates. They believe that Biden has declined since 2020 and would be vulnerable in a debate against Trump.

What About RFK Jr. and Other 3rd-Party Candidates?
By circumventing the commission, Biden and Trump can potentially exclude independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even if he meets the usual polling thresholds to qualify. Kennedy has criticized this move, stating, “They are trying to exclude me from their debate because they are afraid I would win,” and claiming it undermines democracy.

The Risks Ahead
Both candidates may be rusty when they take the stage in June. Trump skipped all five 2024 GOP primary debates, and Biden has conducted fewer interviews than his predecessors. However, by setting expectations low for Biden, Trump risks a repeat of 2020, where voters preferred Biden’s steady demeanor over Trump’s aggressive interruptions. Biden hopes that controlling the debate terms will help him address concerns about his age and leadership while reminding voters why they rejected Trump in 2020.

This story was originally featured on Mint