Presidential Candidates Pull Out of Historic HBCU Debate, First Lady Jill Biden Weighs In

By Ashleigh Fields

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have notified the Commission on Presidential Debates that they will no longer participate in university forums. This move rips three of the scheduled debates off the campaign trail and draws attention to the newly added matchups slated for June and September.

Virginia State University (VSU), Texas State University and the University of Utah, all respective host institutions, have issued statements about the abrupt change.

“Virginia State University is disappointed to hear media reports suggesting that the U.S. presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled October 1, 2024, debate at VSU. A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general,” university officials wrote in a statement on May 15.

For VSU, the opportunity to host a debate was a monumental moment.

“As the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) ever selected to host a general election U.S. Presidential Debate, VSU recognizes the event’s significance and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Democratic process,” Virginia State officials continued.

In their statements, the VSU, Texas State, and University of Utah communities noted they were still working with the Commission of Presidential Debates to confirm the university debates were canceled.

“We are working closely with the Commission on Presidential Debates as we assess the situation,” Texas State explained.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has publicly denounced the decision.

“Joe Biden is turning his back on students, Virginians and the nation because he can’t defend his failing policies. Huge snub to VSU and the citizens of the Commonwealth,” Youngkin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Biden and Trump Gear Up for Network Debates on June 27, Sept. 10

The Commission on Presidential Debates, a non-profit founded in 1987 has organized the schedule for the past three decades. Their website says their goal is to “ensure that the voting public has the opportunity to see the leading candidates debate during the general election campaign.”

The two new debates will not be hosted by the nonpartisan group but two networks, CNN and ABC. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the CNN debate on June 27, while David Muir and Linsey Davis host the latter on Sept. 10.

Gearing up for the debates, Biden and Trump have thrown jabs at each other on social platforms— hinting at the drama to come from the matchup. The two have not publicly addressed each other in over four years.

Trump responded on his Truth Social.

“I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds— that’s only because he doesn’t get them,” he said.

First lady Dr. Jill Biden weighed in on the value of debates leading up to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

“As people start to focus a little bit more about what’s at stake, the difference on the issues and the two men, I believe Americans are going to choose good over evil,” said the first lady.