Biden, Trump accept CNN’s invitation to debate on June 27

President Joe Biden of the United States will take on Donald Trump, his predecessor, in a televised presidential debate on June 27.

The presidential debate will be aired on CNN.

The decision to have a televised debate hosted by a news organisation comes as Biden said he would not participate in the traditional showdowns organised by the commission on presidential debates.

The commission has managed presidential debates since 1988.

Trump had also previously expressed interest in bypassing the commission. The Republican national committee announced in 2022 that the party would quit the commission’s debate system.

Following the dismissal of both candidates who are seeking to clinch the presidential seat again, CNN invited Trump and Biden to have a televised debate.

Biden tweeted his acceptance on Wednesday, challenging Trump to take him on.

I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 15, 2024

Biden said he would like to debate Trump on the repeal of the Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed a national right to abortion, the threat the former president poses to democracy, and Trump’s economic plans.

CNN said Trump has accepted the invitation.

The former president called Biden “the worst debater” he has ever faced.

“It is my great honor to accept the CNN Debate against Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST PRESIDENT in the History of the United States and a true Threat to Democracy, on June 27th,” Trump said on Truth Social.

CNN said the debate will be held in the news organisation’s studios in Atlanta.

Biden and Trump said they also accepted an invitation by ABC News to participate in a second debate on September 10.