News organizations press Biden and Trump to commit to debates

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

April 14, 2024, 7:00 AM EDT


A dozen national news organizations are calling on the presumptive presidential nominees to commit to debates ahead of the November election. In a joint statement Sunday, the news outlets pressed the candidates, without naming President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump, to pledge their participation in the debates scheduled by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

“Though it is too early for invitations to be extended to any candidates, it is not too early for candidates who expect to meet the eligibility criteria to publicly state their support for — and their intention to participate in — the Commission’s debates planned for this fall,” the group of news organizations, including NBC News, said in a joint statement.

Biden and Trump have both won enough delegates to secure their nominations at the party conventions. The news outlets cited the “exceptionally high” stakes of the election, adding “there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation.”

In addition to NBC News, other signatories included ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, NewsNation, Noticias Univision, NPR, PBS NewsHour and USA Today.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/news-organizations-press-biden-trump-commit-debates-rcna147662

[Blues Heron]

1. you dont debabte a psycho criminal. Dont diginify TSF.

Bad idea.

[mucifer]

5. I agree. I couldn't watch those debates. President Biden had to scream and interrupt . He

absolutely looked horrible and unpresidential. But, there was nothing else he could do.

It would only lose him respect if he does that again.

There is no way debate monitors can handle trump.

[Buzz Fledderjohn]

29. Don't wrestle with pigs.

You both get dirty and the pig likes it. This should be a hard “no.”

[Ponietz]

58. And don't play chess with pigeons

They knock over the pieces, shit on the board, then strut around like they won.

[onetexan]

81. I didn't see it that way. Prez Biden fought fire with fire. The tinpot dictator wanabe does not know how to debate so

all he could do is hurl accusations & insults. There's no need for POTUS to have to debate the bonafide moron. As the thread poster mentioned, you don't dignify him with a debate. The past 9 years we've had to suffer through the daily barrage of his insanity already so if ppl don't know his stupidity by now they shouldn't be voting.

[myohmy2]

6. +1...

...they just want the trump shitshow to keep stirring their pot...don't give it to them...

...of course, agree to the idea of debates, but never actually debate...

...no good could come of it...

[Magoo48]

11. Bad idea indeed.

No need to give the Orange Menace and his clowns of the apocalypse any press at all. The pressure is simply a grab for advertising dollars.

[dalton99a]

32. +1

[William Seger]

34. "Will you shut up, man!"

No, that's impossible. Biden should refuse to debate, BUT he needs to make it crystal clear why it's a waste of time.

[azureblue]

56. But

As in his last debate and all of his personal appearances, he will snort Adderall before going on stage, and be wired to the gills. And no doubt he will snort even more than usual.. .
I think Biden could push him over the edge pretty easy - Biden won't take Trump's crap at all, and he will throw zingers back at him, and Trump will fly off the handle. Trump cannot handle personal criticism at all, and Biden knows this.. If it happens on live TV that will be the final nail in Trump's campaign's coffin..

[Lovie777]

2. Pres Biden is ok with it as long as shithole respect....................................

honor and abide by the rules.

Respect, honor and abide by the rules, and when has shithole done that?

[tanyev]

12. Yes, and the news organizations have done a very poor job of enforcing any rules.

[Rebl2]

42. Absolutely

they have done that for years now. A republican says something outlandish and the reporter lets them get away with it by not pushing back or not asking follow up questions.

[Bengus81]

13. He won't nor will the moderators do anything about him,which is worse IMO

Otherwise I'd love to see Biden debate Pumpkin head.

[Novara]

16. That's the thing

The motherfucker acts like a toddler on meth and the moderators won't control him. That's not a debate. It's a shitshow.

Biden needs to make a statement or a campaign ad that reminds people what a shitshow the last debate was, how the media refused to enforce the rules, and agree to debate only if they absolutely control the toddler. Put the onus BACK on the media. This reminds people that the media can't handle debates appropriately, reminds people what a toddler the motherfucker is, and reminds people what a shitshow the last one was. He was the only adult in the room.

If they could control the debate so it's actually a debate rather than a clown show, he'd likely be more than happy to do it, because he'd destroy the motherfucker. But the way the media is now, it isn't a debate. It's just sensationalism. It reinforces that politics is just a game for ratings and there's no substance.

[dutch777]

22. Yeah, unless the mute mics and glue Trump to the floor it will be a problem better avoided

[wnylib]

79. Put up a phyiscal barrier between the candidates

and mute the mic when time is up.

That's the only way to do a "debate" with Trump, but he would never agree to it. He can't stand any restrictions of any kind on him.

I'm still not sure that those restrictions would work, though, so I'd say no, do not do any debates. Show excerpts from previous ones to make the reason clear.

[gab13by13]

3. Trump needs the debate, President Biden doesn't

Fuck the right wing MSM.

[FalloutShelter]

45. Biden reply?:

"I don't debate with rapist, traitors."

[William Seger]

50. "... and debating a pathological liar is pointless, anyway."

All TFG wants is an opportunity to bring his lies to a larger audience, and you can be damned sure he would take full advantage.

[LiberalFighter]

60. Bring up that Trump lied more than 30,000 times while in office.

[gab13by13]

4. About those bogus polls that show Trump ahead or close,

If Trump were really ahead then he wouldn't want to debate.

President Biden wins by a landslide in a fair election.

[SayItLoud]

38. It's not the popular vote I'm concerned about...it's the

cheating in swing states.

[tulipsandroses]

7. They need to stop treating this as normal

He’s not a normal candidate. He has no plans to debate policy. He refused to debate in the Republican primary. Why didn’t they push him to debate then?

[EYESORE 9001]

8. I hear Cheeto Benito's dance card is full already

with court dates and bund rallies. Hard to prep for debates with all that going on. Perhaps he’ll be a convicted felon by the time all parties agree to terms.

[everyonematters]

9. The voters expect a debate.

I would not be surprised if there never is one.

[70sEraVet]

69. I think this is the first time that a Presidential debate is unnecessary.

We have an incumbent President running against a former President. Everybody by now knows who they are and what they stand for. And everybody has already picked their side -- the election is just a matter of which side gets their people to the voting booth. And I don't think a debate is going to move that needle.

[everyonematters]

70. What do the voters want?

If the voters expect a debate, and they don't get one, who does that help- RFK jr. As a matter of fact, any notion of a debate helps RFK JR because of the expectations of the two majority candidates. That's my honest opinion. If they have a debate with or without him, it helps him. If he is not included, there are going to be people thinking why not. If he is included, it helps him with stature.

[CousinIT]

10. MSM just wants the eyeballs and advert dollars. Biden's answer should be "NO"

"NO, NO, NO, NO aaaand NO!"

"Get your profits and advertising dollars from elsewhere this time folks."

[durablend]

30. They know there will be chaos

That's why they're pushing for it.

[nowforever]

14. Debate what

Trump just lies continuously and has no basic knowledge of anything. No reason to give any kind of platform to a blathering imbecile.

[bucolic_frolic]

15. No debates. Allow journalists to interview them with the same questions

and release the video a week later. We don't need a circus.

[PSPS]

17. Of course they are. They have to have a freak show for ratings!!!112!11!

They would promote it like a WWF show, complete with a drum bed and a breathless voice talent telling us to "tune in and watch the fireworks!!111!!" Plus, it will have cheering sections!!11!11! DOn't miss it!!111!!1!!1!!

This is precisely how they do them these days.

The fact is that debates wouldn't change anyone's mind. It would just provide trump a platform to air his grievances ... again.

[Mike Nelson]

18. Probably...

...not a good idea. Biden has to state he is willing. Trump has already said so, but that's a lie; he has not made up his mind, yet. I think Biden should just let Trump yell, which is what he will do... force the moderator(s) do do battle with Trump. It will make them look bad. Also, Sean Hannity should not be one of the moderators. I think he is experiencing some cognitive delay. He's starting to stumble over words. Hannity does self-correct, but who knows how fast or slow dementia will progress...

[keopeli]

19. They feign concern for the American public, when they constantly misrepresent TSF as normal to create a horse race so

they can get revenue. They want to stoke fear and trembling in liberals and anger in conservatives because it helps their bottom dollar. This is directed at Biden (since TSF wants a debate today, tomorrow, and every day). Biden is wise to condition his decision on TSF following the rules and acting like a human being and patriot, both of which are impossible. At the end of the day, Biden will debate when and where he pleases, knowing any debate will make TSF look like the lunatic that he is. No "pressure campaign" is necessary. But the MSM thinks it increases their credibility with a segment of the population.

[BlueMTexpat]

20. If Biden does agree,

and the moderators do not keep tsf under control, Biden should just calmly state that he came to debate the serious issues that this country cares about, not to indulge tantrums of a toddler, drop his mic, and walk off.

[SamKnause]

21. Fuck the news organizations.

They are not interested in having a debate.

They want a carnival show with the orange clown for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

It may not be good for America but it is good for the news organizations.

[Bo Zarts]

25. Totally correct!

$$$

[jaxexpat]

23. Only if I get to write the introduction, which goes like this:

"At one podium we have the current and incumbent president of the USA. At the other we have a guy who must win the election or go to prison."

[brush]

24. IMO it's should be like the 14th Amendment, Sec. 3.

If you excited an insurrection against the government, you're automatically disqualified to participate in a presidential debate.

[Hope22]

26. No!

There is nothing to gain for Biden. He can not expect a fair debate. We haven’t seen one in years. To say nothing of the press mopping up for TSF the morning after with at best, a both sides do it article. No!

[sybylla]

27. I'm with Olbermann on this.

Debates and town halls are always so carefully managed to not piss off a candidate in case they get elected that no real information flows from them.

Also, no need to bother with a prime time debate when you can let all the courtroom coverage speak for itself.

[CincyDem]

28. Never wrestle (debate) with a pig (serial liar/sex offender)...the pig loves it and all you get is muddy. n/t

[Traurigkeit]

55. You don't debate with a Rapist. You toss his ass in jail, chuck the key

[JohnSJ]

31. Fuck the so-called "news media". The only thing they want is to create a carnival

show.

The moderators of these debates have demonstrated they cannot control Trump to abide by any rules, and in fact will let him get away with anything. In addition, allowing an audience into these debates will only contribute to the circus atmosphere, with cheering and booing resembling a circus atmosphere.

Absolutely nothing will be gained from a debate.

Why give someone who tried to overthrow the U.S. government a platform, will only legitimize his lies.

[Auggie]

33. It's a trap. Don't do it.

[Dear_Prudence]

35. Catch and Kill Time Again?

However the debate goes, the press will catch any truth that emerges and then kill it with both-side-ism and 'what the latest poll says' drivel. If the debate featured TRump behind bars and Biden with the microphone kill-switch in hand, then maybe I'd support it.

[dalton99a]

36. There is entertainment value (RATINGS) in the traitor's incoherent verbal diarrhea

and zero information content

[SayItLoud]

37. Damned if do or don't by the media:

If Biden agrees to debate and demands enforced rules....The Slobfather will scream "it's rigged against me, so I'm not debating".

If Biden says " No debate" (for any of a myriad of reasons)....The Slobfather will scream "He's afraid to debate because (a myriad of lies)" The shitbag will ride that horse every day at every opportunity...&quot Slur) to debate me because....lie lie lie lie".


What should Biden don IMO.....Nothing, ignore the question, ....

What do you all think?

[dalton99a]

39. Fuck them

Debate after the trials

[SayItLoud]

40. Thought: Throw it back on the news orgs.

"Explain, in detail how YOU the media that is demanding a debate WILL ENFORCE the rules of the debate. We want to see it in writing, then we will consider it...Oh, and only if the debate is on PBS". (fuck you greedy ratings seekers).


Then again...No debate.

[tanyev]

48. Yes. Explain how they will cut Donny's mike if he goes over,

interjects, or starts spewing insults. Explain how they will drop camera feed or go to commercial if he starts wandering the stage. Everyone from moderator and producer up the chain to CEO needs to state that they fully support these actions, will not hesitate to use them and will not cave to Trump/Republican/MAGA outrage.

Basically, no debates because there is no network that would do this.

[Qutzupalotl]

41. Biden should debate. a) He's excellent, and b) He has a good record to run on.

Let him put his numbers against TSF. Let him explain his policies in detail. The contrast and clarity will be remarkable. It will put the lie to the narratives about age or senility. Remember the State of the Union? Remember what Joe did to Paul Ryan in 2012? “Oh, now you're Jack Kennedy!” Turned the race around,

I don't get why people here are reluctant for Joe to debate again. Yes, TSF talks too much and over people, but remember “Will you shut up, man?” That put him back on his heels for a minute. It also showed the audience exactly what TSF was doing — chattering constantly with wild accusations and not letting anyone else speak.

The people deserve debates, now more than ever, while the media tries to manipulate them.

Y'all need to trust Joe. He's got this.

[BeyondGeography]

57. Fully agree

Biden is sane, rational and has zero to fear on substance. He also faces questions about his age which will be harped on endlessly if he is seen as dodging debates. The flip side is once people see and hear him those with an open mind will be assuaged and he’ll gain votes.

Also, lest we forget, Trump never really recovered from his frothing at the mouth performance in the first debate in 2020. Biden won because of moderate R ticket splitters many of whom were doubtless swayed by that performance alone. These are the same type of voters who are going to bring us to victory in November.

[hay rick]

43. A debate that includes Trump would only be a sideshow.

[MadMike47]

44. I hope Biden says NO.

The media can go shit in its collective hat.

[onecaliberal]

53. And then wear it.

[efhmc]

74. No reason to even answer them as far as I can see.

Too busy.

[FakeNoose]

46. It's not 2020 and Biden has nothing to gain by debating Chump

Let Biden lead from his strength ... his excellent record for the last 3.5 years.

Let Chump wallow in his flop-sweat. Don't give him any more free airtime than he's already getting.
The media is bending over backwards to help him. Why let this charade happen?

Don't forget the "debate" in 2020 when Chump screamed at Biden trying to expose him to Covid germs. Chump KNEW he had Covid and the entire family refused to be tested, but they went into the studio anyway. It was only 3 days after that debate that Chump had to be rushed to the hospital, and he was seriously ill.

[Doodley]

47. I'd like to see a "debate." I would like to see Biden wipe the floor with Trump. I would like to see Trump humiliated.

I would like to see Trump make a fool of himself. I would like to see Trump lost in a word salad of nonsense, hate, and repetition. I would like to see the contrast between Biden's positive vision for America and Trump who has no vision. Then I would like to see the polls that show 70% of viewers thought Biden won.

[erodriguez]

49. 6 weeks from now Biden will have the excuse that the president will never debate a felon

[onecaliberal]

51. When recons put up a legitimate candidate who isn't running for Putin we can talk.

[Silent Type]

52. Voting for Biden even if he stays in his "basement for next 8 months." But, think he has to debate if trump shows up.

[Traurigkeit]

54. President Biden should say, or Dark brandon would say -Pound Sand- @44-0134s

[Xoan]

59. They got some nerve!

[VeryProgressive]

61. Press is being Disingenuous

The "Press" doesn't want these debates because they truly believe it will inform the public. They want the debates for their own selfish reasons - to get ratings by virtue of theater. Trump won't abide by the rules of the debate, so I am of the belief that it will be pointless to engage in a debate. Of course, if they were set strict guidelines for how the debate is conducted and hold both parties to them.

[Mawspam2]

62. The last time they debated, Trump lied about having Covid...

...and tried to kill Biden with his germs.

No debate(s).

[truthisfreedom]

63. Ignore them, Joe.

You don’t want to wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get muddy and the pig will love it.

[Fiendish Thingy]

64. The GOP, on Trump's orders, withdrew from the debate commission in 2022

Joe should not debate Trump, no good can come of it.

[oldsoftie]

65. I dont think Biden should do it. There's just no upside for him.

Trump will hijack it, the moderators wont do anything about it, the polls will say trump "looked tougher', etc etc.
NO

[Traurigkeit]

66. No Debate(s) needed. The ACTIONS of President Biden and The Rapist speak for themselves.

[lastlib]

67. Don't bite, Joe!

Bad idea, to give TSF a platform with you.

[modrepub]

68. Like Everyone One Is Saying

Yea, I bet the M$M wants dozens of debates. Ratings bonanza for them, a friggin sh-t show for the rest of us.

How about this, and I admit this is extremely mean. Attach the private parts of the moderator to a light shocking device. Every time tfg breaks a rule and the moderator doesn't take immediate corrective action they receive 3 seconds of light voltage to their private parts. If there are more than 5 violations during the debate, the voltage application time is doubled.

Hey, why not? This IMHO would be a ratings bonanza for the networks. Hell, let all of them (even the right-wing ones) try this format with their most popular on-air personality. Ratings are all the M$M really wants and this format would certainly provide it. Substance is way overrated anyway, right?

[Rebl2]

71. I would

not let the media dictate when they should debate. It should be the candidates decision, not media.

[Raven123]

72. If they do, NO LIVE AUDIENCE

Get credible moderators who actually know stuff

[ancianita]

73. That these corporate media profiteers want a horserace debate is out of the question.

Trump would just use even one debate as another pretext to file delay motions.

Biden's too busy governing this democracy to stoop to conquer.

[nakocal]

75. Why would Biden want to share a stage with an adjudicated sexual offender

[stage left]

84. Why should our President

have to share the stage with a traitor?

[NoMoreRepugs]

76. It's for network dollars, plain and simple.

[Biophilic]

77. Garbage!! They just want extra clicks.

The MSM doesn’t deserve to have a debate. They are carnival barkers trying to fleece the suckers from as much of their money as possible. They have long since lost the privilege of being supporters of democracy and of America.

[Aussie105]

78. Not unexpected. The media want their circus.

"And in one corner ladiez and gentz, we have empathy, logic, intelligence and good governance!
In the other corner, we have a total raving nutter who will badger, insult and threaten.

Who will win this fight?
Tune in! "
(Advertising revenue in this time slot will be cranked up to warp factor 10.)

Pointless challenge is pointless.

[keithbvadu2]

80. Trump can commit, no problem. He will just lie and make excuses later.

[PortTack]

82. ☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️

[Hekate]

83. Only on condition that it take place in the evening when Mr Demento is sundowning...

Actually, if it were up to me, I’d say Hell No.

[NanaCat]

85. Bloody hell...

It's four bloody months until we even have official nominees. Why even bring this up now, you stupid, greedy media traitors?

[Blue Idaho]

86. Fuck No!

The M$M use these debates as a huge ad revenue payday. It has NOTHING to do with our Democracy - it’s all about the almighty dollar.