President Joe Biden is gearing up for his first 2024 debate with former President Donald Trump by planning a retreat to Camp David next week. This follows his recent trips to Europe, including visits to France and Italy for diplomatic engagements and a weekend fundraiser in Los Angeles.
Due to his busy schedule, Biden has had limited time for debate preparation. The first debate is scheduled for June 27, with a second one set for September 10. Sources suggest that Biden may spend a significant portion of the upcoming week at Camp David to get ready for the debates, a tradition followed by past presidents.
Camp David, nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, has been a popular choice for presidents preparing for crucial events. Presidents like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama have utilized the retreat for debate prep in the past.
Biden's reelection campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, outlined the key topics the president aims to address during the debates. These include pressing Trump on his Supreme Court appointees' impact on abortion rights, his stance on democracy, political violence, and economic policies favoring the wealthy.
On the other hand, Trump has expressed eagerness to debate Biden, challenging him to a faceoff at any time and place. While Trump's campaign has indicated a departure from traditional debate preparation methods, citing his frequent interviews and rally speeches as adequate training, Biden's team is gearing up for a rigorous debate strategy.
As the countdown to the debates begins, both candidates are expected to intensify their preparations and strategies for the upcoming faceoffs.
