After winning both of their Super Tuesday contests, Donald Trump has issued a challenge to Joe Biden for televised debates. The rivals are rapidly approaching a rematch for the White House.
The Republican declared that “anytime, anywhere, anyplace” he posted on the internet in all capital letters, he would participate in a TV forum with the Democratic president.
Trump was described by Mr. Biden’s team as “thirsty for attention and struggling to widen his popularity.”
Prior to the election in November, no agreed-upon debates had yet been set.
Hours after Nikki Haley, his final Republican opponent for the nomination to the presidency, withdrew, Mr. Trump issued his challenge.
Hours after Ms. Haley withdrew from the race, Mr. Trump wrote on his social media website, Truth Social, “It is necessary, for the benefit of our country, that Joe Biden and I discuss issues that are so crucial to America and the American people.”
He continued by saying that the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has been in charge of presidential debates for the previous 30 years, or the Democratic National Committee might oversee such events.
Mr. Trump said that the debate commission was a “subsidiary” of the Democratic Party, despite the fact that it describes itself as nonpartisan and is accused of prejudice by conservatives.
Mr. Biden, 81, is too elderly and forgetful to debate Mr. Trump, 77, according to several of his claims. In response, Mr. Biden said that Mr. Trump is the one who is senile.
When asked earlier on Wednesday if Mr. Biden’s “acuity” could be questioned for turning down a debate, the White House press secretary said that it wouldn’t. She recommended that the reporter discuss the president’s bid for reelection.
Instead of indicating whether Joe Biden would take part in a debate against Mr. Trump, the Biden team advised the Republican to watch the president’s State of the Union speech to Congress on Thursday night.
“We’ll have that talk at the appropriate moment in this cycle,” Michael Tyler, the head of Biden’s campaign communications, stated.
“He doesn’t have to wait if he’s that keen to see President Biden in primetime! He can watch the State of the Union tomorrow night along with tens of millions of other Americans. “He went on.
Mr. Trump added on Wednesday that he would watch Mr. Biden’s State of the Union speech and “correct in swift response.”
After declining to participate in television debates with his Republican opponents for the party’s presidential nomination this election cycle, Mr. Trump faced harsh criticism.
Citing his sizable advantage in the polls, he contended at the time that he had nothing to gain from such forums.
There were two debates between Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump in the 2020 election.
(BBC)
