President Joe Biden is gearing up to confront his predecessor at the upcoming CNN debate, criticizing him as unfit for office and unworthy of representing the United States on the global stage. However, sources familiar with the matter reveal that Biden and his advisers do not plan to unveil major policy or personnel announcements during the debate, unlike his approach in previous primary debates.
During a debate with Democratic primary challenger Sen. Bernie Sanders in March 2020, Biden made significant pledges, such as nominating a woman as vice president and committing to selecting a Black woman for the Supreme Court. This strategy garnered substantial media coverage and praise for its effectiveness in engaging the audience with new and relevant information.
Faiz Shakir, Sanders’s 2020 campaign manager, emphasized the impact of such announcements, suggesting that Trump's announcement of a vice presidential or Cabinet pick during a debate could have a similar effect. The Biden campaign and Democratic National Convention operatives are currently drafting the Democrats’ 2024 platform, indicating that a future debate may focus more heavily on policies and personnel.
The second debate, scheduled for September after both parties’ conventions, is expected to delve deeper into issues as voters become more engaged. Biden's advisers have emphasized the importance of highlighting the contrast between the two candidates in the first debate, aiming to present voters with a clear and urgent choice.
