Trump Campaign Pushes for New Debate Dates
As the 2020 presidential election draws closer, the issue of the scheduled debates has become a topic of contention between the Trump campaign and the Presidential Debate Commission. The Trump campaign recently advocated for new debate dates, citing concerns over conflicting sports events and the early voting period in some states. Despite these requests, the debate commission has held firm on the current debate schedule.
Background of the Debate Schedule
The current debate schedule, set by the Presidential Debate Commission, consists of three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate. The first presidential debate is scheduled for September 29th, the second for October 15th, and the third for October 22nd. The vice presidential debate is set for October 7th. These dates were announced earlier this year and were agreed upon by both the Trump and Biden campaigns.
Reasons for Requesting New Dates
The Trump campaign has raised concerns over the current debate schedule, specifically the dates of the second and third presidential debates. They argue that the second debate falls on the same day as an NFL football game, which could potentially detract from viewership. Additionally, they are worried that the third debate coincides with the beginning of the early voting period in some states, which could impact voter turnout.
In light of these concerns, the Trump campaign has requested that the second and third presidential debates be rescheduled to earlier dates. They have proposed moving the second debate to the first week of September and the third debate to the second week of October.
Response from the Debate Commission
Despite the Trump campaign’s requests, the Presidential Debate Commission has maintained that the current debate schedule will not be changed. They argue that the dates were agreed upon by both campaigns earlier in the year and that changing them now would be logistically difficult. They also point out that the debates are a longstanding tradition in American politics and should not be subject to last-minute changes.
Benefits of the Current Debate Schedule
While the Trump campaign has raised valid concerns about the current debate dates, there are also benefits to sticking with the original schedule. Some of these benefits include:
- Consistency: Keeping the debate schedule as planned ensures a consistent timeline for voters and helps maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
- Engagement: The scheduled debates provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and make informed decisions about their vote.
- Tradition: Presidential debates have long been a staple of the election process and changing the dates could disrupt this tradition.
Practical Tips for Voters
As the debate schedule remains unchanged, voters can still prepare for the upcoming debates by following these practical tips:
- Mark your calendar: Make sure to note the dates of the debates in your calendar so you don’t miss them.
- Research the candidates: Take the time to learn about the policies and positions of each candidate before watching the debates.
- Engage with the debates: Watch the debates live or catch up on them afterwards to stay informed about the candidates’ stances.
