Top US News Outlets Call on Trump and Biden to Agree to Debate

Twelve major national news organizations have come together to urge presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump to participate in televised general election debates before the November polls. In a letter penned on Sunday, news outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX, and PBS emphasized the importance of the candidates debating their visions for the future of the nation before the American people.

The letter highlighted the rich tradition of debates in American democracy and their vital role in every presidential election over the past fifty years. The signees called on Biden and Trump to publicly state their support for and intention to participate in the debates planned by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which currently has three contests scheduled leading up to the election.

Both candidates avoided debates during their respective primaries, with Trump skipping Republican National Committee-hosted debates and Biden declining calls from primary opponents to debate. Despite Trump’s reluctance to share the stage with fellow Republicans, he has been actively trying to goad Biden into a public debate.

While Trump’s campaign officials have requested more than the usual three debates, Biden has been more cautious, stating that his participation depends on Trump’s behavior. The two candidates debated twice during their 2020 matchup, with the Commission on Presidential Debates introducing a mute button due to Trump’s disruptive conduct in the first debate.

As the election season heats up, the call for debates from major news organizations adds pressure on Biden and Trump to engage in a crucial aspect of the democratic process. Voters are eager to see the candidates face off on key issues and policies before casting their ballots in November.