It appears that former Vice President Joe Biden has realized that he can’t hide in his basement forever. Now, he has indicated that he is ready to take on Trump instead of simply allowing the corporate media to do his dirty work. 

After a speech given to an audience in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday, the Democratic presidential candidate told reporters that he “can hardly wait” when asked if he had begun preparing for the debates. 

Biden reaffirmed this sentiment later when another journalist asked if he would commit to participating in the customary three presidential debates. The candidate stated that he is “looking forward to them.” 

The former vice president’s statements come days after his campaign informed the Presidential Debate Commission that they would not accept Trump’s overtures to participate in more than the customary three debates. The president has been pushing for more debates with relaxed rules. For example, Trump has suggested that the debates should rely less on moderators in order to give each candidate more time to talk about their positions and agendas. 

In response to Trump’s insistence that there be more than three debates, the Biden campaign accused the president of trying to “change the subject” and “create a distracting ‘debate about debates.’” Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’ Malley Dillon sent a letter to the commission that was obtained by Fox News. The document outlines the campaign’s expectations for the debate. She wrote:

“First, once formally invited, Vice President Biden will accept and participate in the Commission’s planned Presidential candidates’ debates for September 29, October 15, and October 22; his running mate will participate in the Vice Presidential candidates’ debate set for October 7.”

Dillon added, “The Trump campaign proposal for elaborate negotiations is merely an effort to dodge fair even-handed debates.” 

Of course, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Trump wants more debates with fewer rules and Biden’s campaign wishes to limit the debates and keep the rules the same. Both parties know that Biden will not fare well in a situation in which he is expected to do a lot of talking. 

Biden’s apparent cognitive issues were easy to mask during the Democratic primary debates as there were more candidates involved in the conversations. But now, it will be Biden and Trump, mano a mano, and there won’t be much room for his constant gaffes and blunders. 

As I wrote previously, Trump’s chances for re-election are not positive. But there is plenty of room to stage a comeback. The more visible Biden is, the better Trump’s chances get. It is for this reason that the former vice president’s campaign is keeping him locked in a basement; they seek to save Biden from himself. But this is not a viable long-term strategy. 

It is inevitable that Biden will gaffe his way to lower poll numbers. The debates, which typically do not impact elections, could easily swing the numbers in Trump’s favor. Moreover, the fact that the Democratic candidate will be required to make more public appearances will present Trump with even more ammo to use against him, and knowing the president, he will do just that. 

One thing can be sure: Biden might be looking forward to the debates, but it is obvious that his campaign team is not. 

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Follow me on Twitter: @JeffOnTheRight