Former President Trump's campaign slammed the Commission on Presidential Debates' decision not to advance its debate schedule, branding it "unacceptable" and hinting at bypassing the long-standing debate body, The Hill reported.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Trump campaign co-managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles criticized the commission.
"The Presidential Debate Commission's schedule does not begin until after millions of Americans will have already cast their ballots. This is unacceptable, and by refusing to move up the debates, they are doing a grave disservice to the American public who deserve to hear from both candidates before voting begins," the statement read.
On April 11, the campaign urged the commission to commence the debates "significantly earlier" than the scheduled mid-September start, with the former president seeking to exert pressure on President Joe Biden for a direct confrontation.
"We are committed to making this happen with or without the Presidential Debate Commission. We extend an invitation to every television network in America that wishes to host a debate, and we once again call on Joe Biden's team to work with us to set one up as soon as possible," wrote LaCivita and Wiles.
The campaign's stance comes in response to a Fox News report on Monday reaffirming the commission's adherence to its original schedule.
Biden, who secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for 2024, expressed willingness to debate Trump. However, Biden and his campaign have largely avoided direct engagement with Trump's debate demands, while the former president has become increasingly vocal about wanting to spar with the incumbent.
"Crooked Joe Biden just announced that he's willing to debate! Everyone knows he doesn't really mean it, but in case he does, I say, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, an old expression used by Fighters," Trump posted on Truth Social.
The initial presidential debate on the commission's schedule is set for Sept. 16 at Texas State University. It will be followed by a vice-presidential debate on Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. Two more presidential debates are planned for October, to be held in Virginia and Utah.
Trump did not participate in any GOP primary debates this cycle, citing his advantageous position in the polls.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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