Washington, DC – President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have reached an agreement to participate in two campaign debates set for June and September. The first debate will be hosted by CNN, with the second one to be on ABC, marking the first presidential face-off in just a few weeks.

Following Biden’s announcement that he would not participate in fall presidential debates organized by a nonpartisan commission, his campaign proposed that media outlets directly organize the debates between the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees. The first debate is scheduled for late June, with the second in September before early voting begins. Trump, responding on his Truth Social site, expressed his readiness and willingness to debate Biden at the proposed times.

A swift agreement was reached for the June 27 debate, showcasing the confidence each candidate holds in their ability to outdo the other in the confrontation. CNN announced that the debate will take place at its Atlanta studios without an audience, with moderators and further details to be disclosed later.

Informal talks between the two campaigns and television networks have been ongoing to bypass the commission’s control over presidential debates. Biden’s campaign proposed excluding third-party candidates, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from the debates, a move that was met with openness by CNN if the candidates met polling and ballot access requirements similar to the commission.

In response, Trump called for additional debates and a larger live audience, indicating his desire for a more lively and engaging setting. Both candidates have emphasized their willingness to debate anytime and anywhere, with Trump even suggesting a face-off outside the Manhattan courthouse where he is currently facing a trial in a hush money case.

Challenges arose when Trump’s campaign challenged Biden’s campaign to agree to additional debates beyond those scheduled for June and September. Biden’s campaign, which has been critical of the commission’s handling of previous debates, objected to the fall dates selected by the commission and voiced frustration over rule violations and the insistence on a live audience during debates.

The commission emphasized the importance of providing substantive debates for the American public, ensuring widespread coverage and accessibility. Both campaigns continue to trade barbs on social media, each claiming victory in their previous debates and expressing readiness to face off once again. As preparations for the debates progress, the focus remains on providing a platform for voters to assess the two candidates with a realistic chance of prevailing in the Electoral College.