Presidental debate? Trump: Anytime, anywhere, anyplace
Trump challenges Biden and invites debate ahead of November presidential election.
4:08 AM EST, March 7, 2024
Trump: Debate is important for our country
Ex-President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he is ready to face President Joe Biden in a debate "anytime, anywhere, anyplace." Both individuals shifted their focus to a potential rematch in the general election following their strong performances in the Super Tuesday primaries.
"It is important, for the Good of our Country, that Joe Biden and I Debate Issues that are so vital to America and the American People," - Trump posted on his social media website, Truth Social, hours after winning Super Tuesday.
Trump opted out of participating in the Republican primary debates and has voiced skepticism about general election debates organized by the longstanding Commission on Presidential Debates. However, on Wednesday, he expressed willingness to engage in a debate with Biden under the commission's auspices or even in debates facilitated by the Democratic National Committee, provided that the president consents.
The ex-president faced significant backlash for not participating in television debates against his Republican contenders for the party's presidential nomination in this election cycle. He justified his absence by claiming he could not benefit from these debates, pointing to his substantial poll lead.
Biden campaign spokesperson response
Biden campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler avoided commenting on whether the president would participate in a debate, indicating that this topic would be considered at a future date.
"I know Donald Trump’s thirsty for attention and struggling to expand his appeal beyond the MAGA base — and that’s a conversation we’ll have at the appropriate time in this cycle (...) But if he’s so desperate to see President Biden in prime time, he doesn’t have to wait! He can join the tens of millions of Americans who will tune in to watch the State of the Union tomorrow night. He might even learn a thing or two about bringing people together and actually delivering for the American people" - Tyler said in a statement.
During the 2020 election, Biden and Trump faced off in two debates.
First 2020 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden
Second 2020 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden
Source: BBC, NBC News