Commission on Presidential Debates Announces 2024 Debate Schedule
In a press release on Monday, the Commission on Presidential Debates revealed the dates and venues for the upcoming 2024 general election debates. The nonpartisan organization, established in 1987 and sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, has been responsible for overseeing these critical electoral events since 1988.
The presidential debates are scheduled to take place on Sept. 16 at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas; Oct. 1 at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va.; and Oct. 9 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The vice-presidential debate is set for Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. All debates are slated to run for 90 minutes with no commercial breaks.
While the moderators and specific formats are yet to be disclosed, the commission emphasized that candidates must meet certain criteria to qualify for participation. To be eligible, candidates must appear on “enough state ballots to have at least a mathematical chance of securing an Electoral College majority” and maintain an average of 15% support in five national polls.
Both major parties are expected to formally nominate their candidates at the Republican National Convention in July in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago.
Notably, the Commission on Presidential Debates, in an effort to maintain neutrality, receives no government funding or support from either major political party. The organization’s commitment to impartiality was underscored last year when the Republican National Committee severed ties with the commission, accusing it of bias.
The question of whether former President Donald J. Trump will participate in the general election debates remains open. While he refrained from attending Republican primary debates, the decision to participate ultimately lies with the nominee. The Republican National Committee’s disassociation from the commission last year adds an additional layer of uncertainty.
Equally uncertain is whether President Joe Biden will commit to participating. The Biden campaign has not confirmed participation, citing concerns over the commission’s handling of COVID-19 protocols during the 2020 debates. The commission faced criticism for perceived lax enforcement after the first debate, following which President Trump tested positive for the virus.
A spokesperson for President Biden declined to comment on Monday, while a spokesperson for Mr. Trump did not provide an on-the-record statement. As the election season unfolds, the nation awaits further details on the moderators, formats, and, crucially, the participation of the candidates in these pivotal debates.
