Analysis: The Significance of Biden's Willingness to Debate Trump

Julian Zelizer, a CNN political analyst and professor at Princeton University, is the author of numerous books, including the upcoming "Our Nation at Risk: Election Integrity as a National Security Issue." You can find him on Twitter @julianzelizer. The opinions shared in this commentary are his own. For more viewpoints, visit CNN's opinion section.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in a debate hosted by CNN on June 27, marking their first clash on stage in nearly four years. Biden was the first to confirm his attendance, announcing on X: "I've accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27. Your move, Donald. Remember: anywhere, anytime, any place." Trump later confirmed his participation to CNN's Kaitlan Collins. The decision to hold the debate in June, much earlier than usual in the election cycle, reflects the increasing significance of early voting and the high demand for political news on cable TV and social media.

Both men confirmed their participation in a second debate scheduled for September 10, following an invitation from ABC. Uncertainty loomed over the possibility of debates for the first time in decades. Throughout the Republican primaries, Trump opted out of engaging in the five GOP debates held from August 2023 to January, aiming to portray his opponents as inferior. He favored utilizing social media and Fox News to secure his own airtime. However, Trump couldn't resist the opportunity to face off against the president.

President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden took part in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio on September 29, 2020.

President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

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Online swagger gives presidential debates the vibe of a prize fight. Biden appears confident, having already taken the stage twice in 2020 and emerged victorious. He is eager to do it again. On the other hand, Trump seems eager for a showdown to prove he is the better choice for commander in chief.

It is common for challengers to be more enthusiastic about debating than incumbents. However, Biden is under unusual pressure to deliver a strong performance on the national stage. Concerns within the Democratic Party and among moderates about his age, as well as polls showing him trailing Trump in some swing states, add to the stakes.

Typically, incumbent presidents receive more attention than their challengers. But in this election, the ongoing media attention on Trump, a former president, shifts the spotlight to the debates, making them crucial for Biden.

The Commission on Presidential Debates' preferred schedule for the debates will not be followed, showing how campaigns are seeking more control over these important events. Trump has expressed his distrust of the nonpartisan commission, claiming bias against him.

Televised presidential debates are a relatively new occurrence in American history. The first televised debate occurred on September 26, 1960, between then-Senator John Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon. Some experts believe these debates played a significant role in swinging the election in JFK's favor.

After a break, the presidential debates resumed in 1976 with President Gerald Ford facing off against former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter. One memorable debate saw Ford making a crucial mistake by suggesting that the Soviet Union did not control Eastern Europe. In another debate, the sound equipment malfunctioned, leaving both candidates awkwardly standing in front of the cameras for nearly thirty minutes.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University on October 22, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the last debate between the two candidates before the election on November 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden took part in the final presidential debate at Belmont University on October 22, 2020. This debate marked the last time the two candidates faced off before the election on November 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Here’s what it takes to qualify for the June 27 CNN presidential debate

Televised debates continued to play a significant role in the election process. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan addressed concerns about his age during a debate with former Vice President Walter Mondale, stating, "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience." In 1992, President George H.W. Bush made a mistake by checking his watch during a town hall debate with Bill Clinton and Ross Perot.

A major shift in campaign dynamics occurred in terms of who organized the debates. The League of Women Voters, which had sponsored the debates from 1976 to 1984, stepped back in 1988. Subsequently, the structure of debates was determined by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

Many critics believe that the current debates are not relevant. They think that these debates are more about creating entertainment for television and social media, with quick insults and avoiding real issues. The staging of the debates has also become more like a show, with news stations playing a big role in organizing and promoting them.

However, the debates are still important, especially when Biden and Trump face off. Despite their flaws, debates give voters a chance to see the candidates for longer periods and in unscripted moments. By watching how the candidates behave, voters can learn a lot about their character and abilities. For example, Trump's behavior towards Clinton in 2016 showed a glimpse of his approach to business.

Biden showed his effectiveness during the 2020 election debates by addressing concerns about his age for the presidency. On the other hand, Trump exposed aspects of himself when he failed to denounce White supremacists and instead told the far-right group Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by," leading to their actions on January 6, 2021.

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President Biden will have an opportunity next month to show that concerns about his age are unfounded. Former President Trump will also have a chance to prove he has a compelling vision for the country beyond his focus on taking down opponents and the establishment. Both men will be able to highlight each other's weaknesses and set the tone for the upcoming debate.

In 2024, when voters are familiar with the two candidates, seeing them on stage will provide a reality check on what is genuine and what is not. It will also serve as a reminder to voters of what each man would be like in a second term.

There are still many unresolved questions, such as the specific rules that will be used for the upcoming commission. It is unclear whether third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should be allowed to participate, as he has not met CNN's requirement of reaching 15% in the polls.

Despite the potentially contentious nature of the competition, it is important for the nation to have debates. These debates will provide valuable information about the candidates to voters, who can then make informed decisions without solely relying on surrogates, influencers, and social media commentators.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump hold immense significance in shaping the 2024 election. Biden, facing concerns about his age, and Trump, eager to prove his relevance, will have ample opportunities to showcase their strengths and exploit each other's weaknesses. These debates will allow voters to witness the candidates' demeanor, character, and vision firsthand, providing valuable insights beyond what can be gleaned from interviews or campaign speeches.

The debates also highlight the evolution of campaign dynamics, with the Commission on Presidential Debates facing criticism and campaigns seeking greater control over the format. While some argue that the current debates prioritize entertainment over substance, they remain crucial platforms for voters to evaluate candidates and make informed decisions. The debates will undoubtedly be contentious, but they should also provide voters with a clearer understanding of the candidates and their visions for the country's future.