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President Biden’s polling deficit remains unchanged despite millions spent on advertising. Donald J. Trump’s ongoing criminal trial has not shifted the race’s trajectory, and Biden’s cash and infrastructure advantages have yet to yield political dividends. To shake up the race, the Biden campaign proposed moving up the first presidential debate by three months. This move aims to prompt Americans to pay attention sooner to the significant choice in 2024. Both sides swiftly agreed, with Trump lowering expectations for his performance and Biden acknowledging that he is trailing in the election bid. By agreeing to two debates instead of three and scheduling them further out, the Biden campaign is limiting exposure and allowing room for recovery in case of stumbles.
The agreement was possible due to back-channel talks between senior officials in both campaigns. By sidestepping the Commission on Presidential Debates, the candidates aim to face off directly without third-party candidates. Despite Trump’s mocking of Biden’s abilities, the early debate dates give both candidates time to recover from potential uneven performances. The campaigns hope that by highlighting the contrast between the candidates, voters will be reminded of Trump’s record in office on key issues like democracy and abortion rights. The agreement also allows Biden to focus on turning out early voters without the pressure of high-stakes debates closer to Election Day.
The decision to abandon the debate commission was not surprising, given Trump’s willingness to meet with or without them. Biden’s team was frustrated with Trump’s behavior during the 2020 debates and had been targeting the commission for overhaul even before this agreement was reached. Ultimately, both candidates will have the opportunity to make their case to voters in the lead-up to the election, with the hope of swaying public opinion and securing a victory in 2024.
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