Unusual Turn of Events: The 2024 Presidential Debates Take a Different Path

The upcoming presidential debates between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump are already making headlines for their unusual scheduling and format. With only two debates planned, neither sanctioned by the traditional organizing group, and the first one set before either candidate has officially been nominated, the 2024 debates are shaping up to be unlike any other in history.

According to historical records, no general-election debate has ever been held as early as the proposed June 27 date for the first debate this year. Additionally, no debate season has ever concluded as early as the proposed Sept. 10 date for the second debate this year. These early dates are just one way in which the 2024 debates are expected to stand out.

President Biden is breaking tradition by asking news organizations to host the debates instead of the usual commission. He has also requested that there not be a live audience, a format that former President Trump disagrees with. This departure from the norm is just one example of how the upcoming debates are likely to be different from past years.

The tradition of presidential debates is relatively modern in U.S. history, dating back to the first televised debates in 1960. While these debates have become a staple of presidential campaigns, they were not repeated for 16 years after the initial event. The tradition of regular debates every four years began in 1976, with a refusal to participate considered a breach of norms.

The upcoming debates between President Biden and former President Trump are sure to be closely watched and highly anticipated, given the unique circumstances surrounding their scheduling and format. As the candidates prepare to face off in these historic debates, the eyes of the nation will be on them to see how they perform under the bright lights of the debate stage.