Major broadcast and cable news networks have made a public plea. They released a joint statement on Sunday, calling on the “presumptive presidential nominees” to commit to the general election debates.
The Commission on Presidential Debates has laid out the schedule. Dates, times, and eligibility criteria for the 2024 debates are already set. Though it’s still early days, the networks are urging those who qualify to voice their support and intention to participate in the fall debates.
A slew of networks have put their names to the letter. Among them are ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, and many others. This shows a unified front in the media landscape.
The importance of debates is strongly emphasized in the petition. It describes them as a cornerstone of American democracy and a vital part of elections since 1976. The letter reminds us that millions tune in to see the candidates go head-to-head, presenting their ideas to the voters.
However, President Biden has yet to commit to participating in this year’s debates. His team mentioned in December their focus on preparing a competitive campaign for 2024. On the other hand, Trump’s team is pushing for earlier debates, continuing their critique of the Commission from the 2020 campaign. They accuse it of bias towards the Biden campaign.
The letter ends on a note of consensus. It suggests that, despite the country’s polarization, everyone recognizes the high stakes of the election. There’s a strong belief that there’s no replacement for the candidates debating their visions for the nation’s future directly before the American people.
