The initial 2024 Presidential debate is set for September 16, the earliest in history, the Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Monday. Sponsored by the so-called “bipartisan” Commission, which has been responsible for every general election presidential debate since 1987, Texas State University will host the kickoff event.
Three debates are slated for next year, along with one vice-presidential debate scheduled for September 25 at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. After the first event in Texas, debates will take place at Virginia State University on October 1, and at the University of Utah on October 9. The accelerated schedule results in a 27-day gap between the last debate and Election day, a stark contrast to the 12- and 20-day gaps of 2020 and 2016, respectively.
Despite these scheduling announcements, uncertainty surrounds the actual occurrence of the debates. In a notable move last year, the Republican National Committee withdrew its participation from the commission. With the debates scheduled to begin before voting commences, it is anticipated that the adjusted timeline may encourage the Republican nominee’s participation.
The Presidential Debate Commission is scarcely unbiased, with major controversy surrounding its connections to the D.C. establishment including Joe Biden. Last time around, Steve Scully was chosen to host one of the events. It soon transpired he had sent a number of anti-Trump tweets and even interned for Joe Biden.
