David Frum, The Atlantic: Why Biden should NOT debate Trump.

[pnwmom]

No paywall.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/joe-biden-donald-trump-presidential-debate/678079/?utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
Why Biden Should Not Debate Trump
The networks want their show, but to give the challenger equal status on a TV stage would be a dire normalization of his attempted coup.
By David Frum

The role of the television networks here is, unfortunately, not an innocent one. “The stakes of the election are high” is a commencement-address way of phrasing the thought: We are anticipating huge ratings. Trump is box office; everybody knows that—and box office translates into revenues at a time when television is losing them. For TV executives to convince themselves that what is good for their own bottom line is good for the country seems very easy. But good for the country is radically not the case here.

Imagine watching the debate with the sound off—what would you see? Two men, both identified as “president,” standing side by side, receiving equal deference from some of the most famous hosts and anchors on American television. The message: Violence to overthrow an election is not such a big deal. Some Americans disapprove of it; others have different opinions—that’s why we have debates. Coup d’état: tip of the hat? Or wag of the finger?


For Biden to refuse to rub elbows with Trump won’t make Trump go away, of course. The Confederacy did not go away when Abraham Lincoln refused to concede the title of president to Jefferson Davis. That’s not why Lincoln consistently denied Davis that title. Lincoln understood how demoralizing it would be to Union-loyal Americans if he accepted the claim that Davis was a president rather than a rebel and an insurrectionist. Biden should understand how demoralizing it would be to democracy-loyal Americans if he accepted the claim that Trump is more than a January 6 defendant.

[Captain Zero]

1. Biden should also say he won't debate anyone who's a wannabe dictator

Even on day 1.

TSF. Indicted for January 6 and running for dictator.
Grounds for not a serious candidate for president.

[The Unmitigated Gall]

2. "I don't debate insurrectionists"

“I don’t debate traitors. The republican party may nominate them, but I don’t debate them. I defeat them”

Trump is a chimp. All he’s going to do is fling poo. All Joe can do is get hit.

[Cha]

8. Or Domestic Terrorists.

TY

[B.See]

3. Exactly my sentiment.

Not only an insurrectionist, but a rapist still facing at least 88 other charges.

He didn't feel obliged to debate his Republican challengers.

But now the criminal mf has the nerve to want to debate Biden because he thinks standing on the same stage as the President of the United States NORMALIZES all of the shit he's said and DONE.

FUCK Trump.

[arthritisR_US]

13. NORMALISES is the what needs to realized!

[Talitha]

14. "He didn't feel obliged to debate his Republican challengers."

EXACTLY.

I think you speak for us all in saying: "FUCK Trump."

[Silent Type]

4. Voting for Biden whether he debates or not, but think it's traditional and Biden will/should

state his willingness, even if mentioning he’s not putting up with trump’s BS preconditions.

Biden’s, “just shut up,” etc., worked well last time.

[dsp3000]

5. agree. will you shut up man?! was what everyone was thinking when he said it!

[Frances]

7. No debate

Trump is in front of a judge who has power over him
And Trump violates the judge’s directions
Trump will be a bull in a china shop on the debate stage
No one can control him
Best to stay out of that zoo

[Silent Type]

9. Can't say you are wrong. But for the 5% of voters who'll decide election the debate or lack of

debate could be significant.

[pnwmom]

12. They don't need a debate. They can listen to moderators ask each candidate questions

in separate Town Halls.

[Hekate]

6. Frum is right

[andym]

10. I want Joe to debate and when Trump saunters over to attempt physical domination

Joe takes a step in his direction and show his fists, laughing when Trump scampers away. It would be a classic moment and completely destroy the myth Trump fans have.

[Hope22]

11. No plans for debate until we know if

TSF will be out in jail or not.

[betsuni]

15. Would be a waste of time.

[Lemon Lyman]

16. Good Article

We all know what will happen though. The media will dog PJB like crazy (they already do, of course) about why he isn't debating. It'll be 24/7 non-stop coverage of why Biden isn't debating. Our side always has to play by different rules. HRC spends all day masterfully taking questions about Benghazi. Their side pleads the fifth 400 times. Our side gets hammered no matter what we do. Their side gets treated with kid gloves.