Will Biden’s Absence from Debates Disqualify Him as a President?

The question of whether President Joe Biden should participate in presidential debates with incumbent President Donald Trump has ignited a heated debate, with vocal supporters of both camps expressing their opinions.

Debates as a Measure of Presidential Fitness

Is it essential for a presidential candidate to participate in debates to prove their fitness for the office? This inquiry delves into whether a candidate’s absence from debates, such as Biden’s potential non-participation, could cast doubts on their readiness to lead.

The Case Against Debates: Trump’s Performance

President Trump's performance during last night's town hall raised questions about his suitability for another debate. His rather unimpressive display, primarily against untrained American voters, made him appear less fit to continue as a candidate.

Given Trump's history of inciting violence and controversial statements during debates, supporters argue that Biden should not be forced into such confrontations. Calls for the debates to be cancelled or for Trump to withdraw have grown louder, with some suggesting that Trump's mouth could dig him even deeper into his current predicament.

The Biden Defense: Preparedness and Calmness

On the other side, Joe Biden's supporters argue that debates are a matter of strategy and control. With prior experience in debating during the Democratic primaries and earlier in his political career, Biden is seen as more than capable of handling the rigors of a debate.

Biden's opponents argue that a presidential candidate should not rely on dodging questions or engaging in personal attacks. Instead, they advocate for him to maintain a composed demeanor, similar to how he handled Elizabeth Warren's aggressive questioning in the Democratic debates. By doing so, Biden can project an image of a calm, professional leader likely to govern effectively.

The Nature of Modern Debates

Modern debates have changed significantly from the early days when they were straightforward forums for informed public discussion. Today, debates are often designed more for media consumption and political messaging than genuine policy discourse.

The format of many recent debates is heavily controlled, with questions pre-determined and often tailored to fit the debate's narrative. This structure can lead to superficial exchanges that do not significantly influence public opinion. In fact, evidence suggests that true impact on voter decisions often comes from other factors, such as the so-called October Surprise.

The October Surprise

The term "October Surprise" refers to significant and often unforeseeable events that can sway election outcomes. While presidential debates are important, many experts argue that other factors, such as an unexpected revelation or a major event, can have more substantial impacts on the final result.

In conclusion, while debates are an important part of the electoral process, they are not the sole determinant of a candidate's readiness to be president. The broader context, including the candidate's track record, their response to crises, and their ability to project a sense of calm and competence, are also critical factors to consider.

The upcoming debates will test both candidates' abilities not just to engage in robust policy discussions, but also to maintain a professional and composed demeanor under pressure. Regardless of whether Biden participates, his fitness for the presidency will ultimately be judged by the voters based on a wide range of factors beyond just the debate stage.