Speculations surrounding whether former US President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden would debate before the November 5 elections appear to have been resolved. Biden’s re-election campaign proposed two significant debates, one in late June and another in September. Following this proposal, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was prepared to debate Biden at the suggested times.
In a passionate video shared on X platform, Biden put forth two debate proposals, even referencing Wednesday, a typical break day during Trump’s hush money trial in New York City. Biden’s campaign explained that they suggested the June debate to likely occur after the trial’s conclusion and President Trump’s return from the G7 Summit.
“Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal,” Biden noted while making the announcement on social media.
Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate.
Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again.
Well, make my day, pal. pic.twitter.com/AkPmvs2q4u
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 15, 2024
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, wrote a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates outlining their proposals. Additionally, she recommended a debate between the vice-presidential candidates to be held in late July.
Outlining conditions for the parleys between Biden and Trump, O’Malley Dillon said the debates “should be hosted by any broadcast organisation that hosted a Republican Primary debate in 2016 in which Donald Trump participated, and a Democratic primary debate in 2020 in which President Biden participated.”
She reiterated the insistence on a one-on-one debate format and expressed opposition to the inclusion of any third-party candidates.
On Truth Social, Trump criticized “crooked” Biden, labeling him the “worst” debater he has ever encountered.
Claiming that Biden “can’t put two sentences together”, Trump went on to say: “Crooked is also the WORST President in the history of the United States, by far. It’s time for a debate so that he can explain to the American People his highly destructive Open Border Policy, new and ridiculous EV Mandates, the allowance of Crushing Inflation, High Taxes, and his really WEAK Foreign Policy, which is allowing the World to “Catch on Fire”.”
Trump emphasized that he is “ready and willing” to debate “crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September.”
He, however, strongly recommend more than two debates. “And for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds – That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. Let’s get ready to Rumble!!”
Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I have ever faced – He can’t put two sentences together! Crooked is also the WORST President in the history of the United States, by far. It’s time for a debate so that he can explain to the American People his highly destructive Open Border…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 15, 2024
After Trump’s announcement, Biden confirmed on X that he has accepted an invitation for a CNN-hosted debate on June 27.
“I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place.”
“Trump tells me “I’ll be there” and says he’s “looking forward to being in beautiful Atlanta”,” she wrote.
EXCLUSIVE: @realDonaldTrump says he will accept the CNN debate invitation for June 27.
Trump tells me “I’ll be there” and says he’s “looking forward to being in beautiful Atlanta.” https://t.co/OOCLwaWsxq— Brooke Singman (@BrookeSingman) May 15, 2024
After both leaders accepted the invitation, CNN issued a press release announcing that Trump and Biden would engage in a face-off at the Atlanta studios on June 27, without an audience present.
The showdown is scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. ET. The network mentioned that the panelists for the debate would be disclosed at a later time.
Meanwhile, Biden’s re-election team has begun selling T-shirts bearing the slogan “Free on Wednesdays,” alluding to the usual break day during Trump’s hush money trial.
Reacting to Biden’s campaign post, one X user wrote: “I will buy a shirt Mr. President. I love your sense of humor. Btw, Thank you for not stealing from a kid’s cancer charity, sir. You are a man of honor and integrity. I speak for all Americans. “Free on Wednesdays” haha I love it.”
“Brilliant. Ordered mine,” another wrote.
“But is he awake on Wednesdays?,” a third user humorously commented on Trump appearing to doze off in the courtroom during his trial.
We hear Donald’s free on Wednesdayshttps://t.co/DgGod9XXhI pic.twitter.com/NS5rq7yyqb
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) May 15, 2024
It will be intriguing to observe the unfolding events leading up to the presidential elections, with both leaders vying for the White House.