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Leaked documents reveal that advisers to former President Joe Biden persuaded him to participate in an early summer debate with Donald Trump to maximize his audience reach. The six-page memo from April 15, 2024, emphasizes that scheduling the debate in spring would allow Biden to connect with more voters before summer distractions like conventions and vacations.

The memo also highlights the strategic advantage of debating before the intense midterm campaign season, showcasing Biden standing next to Trump to demonstrate leadership strength. It notes that delaying debates until fall could limit exposure, especially with early voting in states like Wisconsin and North Carolina already underway.

The recommendation was to hold debates in late June, with specifically suggested dates around June 26 or 27, considering Biden’s travel schedule and recent Supreme Court rulings, including the anniversary of the Dobbs decision on abortion rights.

A month after the memo, Biden publicly challenged Trump to two debates, which Trump’s team accepted, scheduling one on June 27 and another on September 10. However, Biden eventually withdrew from the race in July after internal disagreements over his debate performance.

The documents and discussions about debate timing are featured in a new book exploring Trump’s resurgence and the Democratic strategies in 2024.