News organisations urge Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been urged to hold a debate (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Twelve news organisations have urged presumptive presidential nominees Joe Biden and Donald Trump to agree to debates, saying they were a “rich tradition” that have been part of every campaign since 1976.

While Mr Trump, who did not participate in debates for the Republican nomination, has indicated a willingness to take on his 2020 rival, the Democratic president has not committed to debating him again.