Washington, United States

Former US president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 15) agreed to hold two debates ahead of the November election. One will be in June and the other will be in September. The date of the first debate is set for June 27, CNN confirmed. 

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On his Truth Social app, Trump wrote: "I am Ready and Willing. Let's get ready to Rumble!!!" 

After Trump's message, Biden said in a post on X that he "received and accepted an invitation" from CNN for a debate on June 27. The US president wrote: "Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place." 

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Notably, Biden turned down the three debates recommended by the bipartisan US election debates commission. He instead opted for two audience-free debates hosted by news organisations. 

In a video on X, Biden said, "Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn't shown up for a debate. Now he's acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal." 

"I'll even do it twice," he said. 

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Referring to the ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York, Biden also trolled Trump. The trial features a mid-week break. Biden said, "So let's pick the dates Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays." 

For months, Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for months about debates. Such debates have long been a staple of any US presidential election campaign. 

Trump called for a "very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds" as he described Biden as "the WORST debater I have ever faced". 

Biden's campaign simultaneously sent a letter to the US election debates commission saying it rejected its calendar for three debates in September and October. 

Instead of that, the letter from campaign chief Jen O'Malley Dillon noted that Biden "plans to participate in debates hosted by news organisations". 

She added that the current, years-old structure was "out of step with changes in the structure of our elections and the interests of voters." 

(With inputs from agencies)