Biden and Trump Set the Stage for 2024 with Independent Presidential Debates

In a surprising turn of events, the 2024 presidential election cycle is heating up with news that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in independent debates, bypassing traditional venues and the Commission of Presidential Debates. This decision has left institutions like the University of Utah and Virginia State University, which were slated to host these significant political events, in a state of shock and disappointment. The move marks a significant shift in how presidential debates are conducted, with both candidates opting for a direct negotiation that led to the selection of CNN and ABC as their preferred networks for hosting these crucial pre-election events.

The first of these debates is scheduled to take place on June 27 at CNN's Atlanta studios, followed by a second debate hosted by ABC News on September 10. Both events are poised to offer a unique format, with the first debate being held without an audience, a decision that underscores the changing dynamics of political engagement and public discourse. This development has sparked a flurry of discussions about the future role of the Commission of Presidential Debates and the criteria for hosting such high-stakes political engagements.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate logistical and planning challenges faced by the initially chosen venues. It represents a broader shift towards more controlled and potentially partisan platforms for presidential candidates to present their policies and engage with their opponent. This move has raised quest…  Read moreions about the accessibility and fairness of the debate process, especially considering the historical significance of venues like Virginia State University, which would have been the first HBCU to host a presidential forum.