On the one hand, candidates should not, under any circumstances, have a choice. Eligibility for office should be predicated on participation in public debates, structured and moderated under direct democratic control. On the other hand, stopping Trump is essential, and in the system we have, not the system I wish we had, this is a good strategy. Biden is assuming the role of adult in the room, and making Trump come to him, setting vague terms he never actually has to deliver on. He’s setting up the conclusion that if there isn’t a debate, it’s because Trump was an ill-behaved child, but if there is, it will be on Biden’s terms. Very well played.