Biden and rump to face off in debates on June 27, Sept lO

Debates fraught with risks for both, who face a tight race and low voter enthusiasm

US President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on May 16 agreed to face off in two debates on June 27 and Sept 10, setting up the highest-stakes moments yet of the race for the White House.

"As you said: anywhere, any time, any place," Mr Biden said on social media.

Trump called Mr Biden "the worst debater" he has ever faced. "I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September," he posted on social media.

CNN, a division of Warner Bros Discovery, said the first debate would be held in their Atlanta studio with no audience, and would be moderated by anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Georgia is one of November's most closely contested states.

The candidates also accepted an invitation from ABC, which will host a second debate on Sept 10. A separate vice-presidential debate has been proposed for July, after the Republican National Convention.

Key differences between the two sides remained on the terms of engagement.

Mr Biden said he would participate in those two debates under strict rules to reduce interruptions, while Trump called for more than two and a very large venue "for excitement purposes".

Debates, which will draw a US live television audience in the tens of millions, are fraught with risks for both candidates, who face a tight race and low enthusiasm from voters.

Mr Biden's aides think debates could hurt Trump by exposing his positions on issues, including abortion, that they regard as political vulnerabilities.