In an April 17 editorial, the opinion piece argues that President Joe Biden should commit to participating in presidential debates against former President Donald Trump. However, Biden has indicated that his participation may hinge on Trump’s behavior. The editorial questions what Biden means by this statement, expressing concerns about Trump’s past actions and rhetoric during his debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016.
The editorial goes on to emphasize the importance of the public needing to know where the candidates stand on key issues. While Trump has made his positions known on various policies, such as his plans to assume dictatorial powers on his first day in office, crack down on immigration, impose tariffs, and repeal the Affordable Care Act, it is argued that debates would provide a crucial platform for Biden to present his own views and engage with the electorate.
The editorial concludes by questioning why debates are necessary if Trump has already stated his positions. The author suggests that the public should believe Trump at his word and argues that debates would not contribute significantly to informing the electorate. However, the editorial fails to address the importance of candidates engaging in direct exchanges with each other and the public, which presidential debates facilitate.
