In a notable exchange between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, Trump issued a challenge for an “immediate” debate, a proposition Biden humorously dismissed. Trump’s call for a debate emerged during his conversation with conservative commentator Dan Bongino, where he expressed a desire for a debate with Biden “for the good of the country.”
Responding to Trump’s challenge, Biden, while campaigning in Nevada, playfully remarked, “Immediately? Well, if I were him, I’d want to debate me, too. He’s got nothing else to do,” showcasing his lighthearted take on Trump’s request. This interaction underscores the political dynamics between the two figures, with Trump maintaining a significant lead in the GOP primary and Biden focusing on his reelection campaign.
Trump, known for his combative stance towards the Commission on Presidential Debates, criticized the organization as “corrupt” and overly favorable to Democrats. Despite his criticisms, Trump expressed a willingness to engage in multiple debates, even under the commission’s organization, stating, “I would do 20 debates even if it was organized by them.”
The debate proposition comes amid Trump’s decision to forego GOP primary debates, citing his substantial lead in the polls as justification. His primary competitor, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, has participated in several debates in his absence.
The Commission on Presidential Debates has scheduled three general election debates, with neither Trump nor Biden having publicly committed to participating. The scheduled dates and locations include Texas State University in San Marcos, Virginia State University in Petersburg, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, marking key moments in the upcoming electoral cycle.