Early Debate Led to Biden Withdrawal, Trump Return

A leaked April 2024 memo shows President Joe Biden's advisers advocated for an early debate with Donald Trump to maximize audience reach and address concerns about Biden's age and leadership. The memo recommended a late June debate to precede summer events and early voting, aiming to highlight Biden's strengths against Trump's perceived weaknesses. Despite extensive preparations, Biden's June 27 debate performance was widely seen as disastrous, raising doubts about his fitness for office. This led to Biden withdrawing from the presidential race and endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The debate's outcome accelerated Trump's political comeback, resulting in his return to the White House. Details of the memo and its impact are featured in an upcoming book by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf.