The American public isn't stupid. If Biden refuses to do the debates, they'll understand he's afraid that people will really see he's incapable of handling the presidency.
Well, some are, all too many I fear.
And regarding the debates, here's a great idea from Thomas Friedman, who is very much a centrist. Biden should agree to debate under 2 conditions:
1) Trump fully release his tax returns, as Biden has done. Equal playing field, right?
2) They both agree to have a team of fact-finders present at the debate so that lies and distortions can be called out right away. Otherwise Trump will spend half the debate (or more) spouting lies and falsehoods and Biden will be forced to respond to the lies and therefore unable to fully present his platform.
3) An English teacher will be present to grade the participants on their intelligent and cogent use of the language.
OK, #3 is my invention, but given that what comes out of a person's mouth is a reflection of what's going on in their thoughts, it might not be a bad idea. Seeing as Trump talks at the level of a 5th grader, ... well, you can draw the conclusion.
If the big cheeto refuses these most reasonable conditions, then the lack of debates will be on his head.