News channels united in desire for presidential rivals to debate

TWELVE American news organisations, including bitter rivals Fox News and CNN, have issued a joint call for Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debate each other to preserve a “rich tradition”.

While Mr Trump did not participate in debates for the Republican nomination he has indicated a willingness to take on his 2020 rival. However Mr Biden has not committed to a debate.

Invitations have not been formally issued, but the news organisations said it was not too early for each campaign to say publicly that it would participate in the three presidential and one vice-presidential forums organised by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

“If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarised time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally

‘We have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, anyplace and anywhere’

high,” the outlets said in a joint statement. “Amidst that backdrop, 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.”

Mr Biden and Mr Trump debated twice in 2020. A third debate was cancelled after then president Trump tested positive for Covid-19.

Asked on March 8 whether he would commit to debating Mr Trump, Mr Biden said “it depends on his behaviour”.

Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris Lacivita said in a letter last week “we have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, anyplace and anywhere – and the time to start these debates is now”.

On Saturday, Mr Trump held a rally in northeast Pennsylvania with two lecterns on the stage: one for him to give a speech, the other to symbolise what he said was Biden’s refusal to debate him.