As the 2024 presidential election season heats up, the scene is set for a possible high-stakes fight between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Both camps seem to be creeping toward agreeing to participate in a series of television debates, reviving the long-standing custom of political rivals facing off in front of an enthralled public amid a flurry of challenges and counterattacks.
The Argument Against Debates
The fire has been fueled by Biden’s recent comments to Howard Stern, in which he indicated his desire to engage in a debate with Trump. Never one to back down from a challenge, Trump answered with characteristic bluster, saying he was ready to debate “ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE.
The Trump campaign has been fiercely advocating for earlier debate dates, despite the Biden camp’s cautious indecision. They have done so by expressing worries that voters in certain states would cast their votes before seeing the candidates square off in a debate.
There are obstacles in the way of the discussions, however. The impartial Commission on Presidential Debates, which is in charge of planning these occasions, has not yet disclosed the particulars or the requirements for qualifying for the 2024 cycle. The proceedings are further complicated by the Republican National Committee’s prior decision to resign from the committee due to allegations of prejudice.
The Argument for Discussions
Notwithstanding the practical difficulties, these discussions are very important. “People have a belief of what they think of Donald Trump and what he did as president, but they should hear that on stage in comparison to Joe Biden’s record and get a chance to compare those things head to head,” as seasoned Republican debate coach Brett O’Donnell so eloquently states.
Voters get a rare chance to see a candidate’s mastery of the subject, eloquence, and poise under duress during a debate. They provide a forum for discussion, clarification of opinions, and the chance to influence people who aren’t sure which way to vote.
Furthermore, as veteran debate coach Mari Will notes, the debates have a big influence on the story that the media tells about the candidates. A gaffe or a memorable performance may influence the conversation in the public eye for days, if not weeks, after the occurrence.
The Danger Elements
For both candidates, there are dangers associated with their choice to take part in the debates. As Will says, “I would ask ‘why?’ if I were giving any of them advice. Only a small portion of people are persuasive. Furthermore, the majority of those who are already lean will most likely return home before the election. That basically remains danger.
The debates provide Biden a chance to demonstrate his grasp of the subject and promote his accomplishments as president. But a poor showing or a well-publicized slip-up may damage his reputation and give his opponents more fodder.
However, depending on how he performs, Trump’s well-known preference for unusual speech and his ability to fascinate crowds might either work in his favor or backfire. A gaffe or a divisive statement might drive away people who are still on the fence or strengthen the notion that he is unfit to hold public office.
The Lasting Custom
Notwithstanding the dangers and possible problems, the presidential debates have endured as a political institution in the United States, demonstrating the country’s dedication to free speech and well-informed decision-making. These incidents, which range from the momentous Kennedy-Nixon debates of 1960 to the more recent confrontations between Biden and Trump in 2020, have permanently altered the path of elections and impacted the collective consciousness of the country.
The expectation and speculative activity around the 2024 debates will only grow. Will the camps of Biden and Trump decide to avoid the possible landmines, or will they eventually agree to share the stage? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the American people should have the chance to see these two powerful politicians have a meaningful conversation so they can make an educated choice about who will lead the country in the future.
