US Biden and Trump Agree on First TV Debate on June 27... Early Start to Presidential Race

U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to hold their first TV debate on June 27 ahead of the November presidential election.

On the 15th (local time), President Biden proposed to former President Trump to hold debates in June and September, and former President Trump accepted. Former President Trump is also considering holding additional debates in July and August.

The two former and current presidents, who will face off in the November election, showed signs of a war of nerves, including a power struggle, before agreeing to the one-on-one debate.

President Biden claimed, "Trump lost to me in two debates during the 2020 election," adding, "Since then, Trump has not appeared in any debates." He then provoked, "Now he acts as if he wants to debate me again." Referring to the New York trial related to allegations of hush money in Trump's sexual misconduct case, which will be recessed on Wednesday, he said, "Donald, let's set a date," and teased, "I'm free on Wednesday."

In response, former President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, saying he was ready and willing anytime. He said, "I am prepared and willing to debate foolish Joe twice, in June and September, as proposed," adding, "Maybe Biden is afraid of crowds." Former President Trump also said, "Just say the word anytime. I will be there."

Subsequently, both campaign teams announced a surprise agreement to hold the first debate on June 27, hosted by CNN, and the second debate on September 10, hosted by ABC.

According to local U.S. media, both sides have been holding private discussions over the past few weeks to prepare for the debates. Former President Trump has been pressuring for early debates before the official nomination of each party's presidential candidate at the party conventions. President Biden was relatively reluctant to debate but showed a change in stance last month during a radio interview, saying he was "willing to debate" former President Trump.