JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – President Biden on Wednesday night is set to address the nation to discuss his decision to withdraw from the race for president.
At the same time, early plans for debates between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are starting to take shape.
For the first time since his announcement, we will hear more in-depth comments from President Biden on his decision to withdraw and endorse Harris.
News4JAX Political Analyst Rick Mullaney said one thing Biden needs to do on Wednesday is quell any concerns over his fitness for office through the end of the year.
“The reasons why he decided to leave the race but one of the things he wants to do is convey he has the vigor and command that he can serve he can serve the next six months and he’s got to I think lay out some of what he’s got in mind the next 6 months,” Mullaney said.
This happens as both the Trump and Harris teams are ratcheting up their campaign stops as debates are being discussed.
“That’s going to be a good debate. Her and Trump,” voter Gordon Williams said. “That’s going to be a great one because Trump is a character as a person and how she is. It’s going to be a good battle between them two.”
Former President Trump has said he’s willing to debate Harris more than once. However, when that will happen is up in the air.
Originally Trump and Biden were slated to debate on Sept. 10. Now both sides will need to agree on a new debate schedule.
“Given how historic this has happened with her coming in so late these debates take on added significance because of many people they will be hearing from Kamala Harris for the first time,” Mullaney said.
A big question in the debates is how many there will be. Historically, prior to 2020, there would be three. Trump and Biden had agreed to two this cycle but now that Harris is the assumed candidate we’ll have to see.