Donald Trump challenged President Joe Biden to a debate at the New York City courthouse where the former president is currently confined during his “hush money” trial.
Trump’s challenge is a response to Biden saying he would debate the former president during a Friday morning interview with Howard Stern.
“I am, somewhere, I don’t know when,” Biden said when Stern questioned whether the president would debate his opponent. “I’m happy to debate him.” 🚨 Biden tells Howard Stern he is “happy” to debate Trump
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— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 26, 2024
This afternoon, Trump responded to the president’s comment on Truth Social.
“Crooked Joe Biden just announced that he’s willing to debate! Everyone knows he doesn’t really mean it, but in case he does, I say, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, an old expression used by Fighters,” he wrote. “I suggest Monday Evening, Tuesday Evening, or Wednesday Evening at my Rally in Michigan, a State that he is in the process of destroying with his E.V. Mandate.”
“In the alternative, he’s in New York City today, although probably doesn’t know it, and so am I, stuck in one of the many Court cases that he instigated as ELECTION INTERFERENCE AGAINST A POLITICAL OPPONENT - A CONTINUING WITCH HUNT!,” Trump continued. “It’s the only way he thinks he can win. In fact, let’s do the Debate at the Courthouse tonight - on National Television, I’ll wait around!” Crooked Joe Biden just announced that he’s willing to debate! Everyone knows he doesn’t really mean it, but in case he does, I say, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, an old expression used by Fighters. I suggest Monday Evening, Tuesday Evening, or Wednesday Evening at my Rally in…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 26, 2024
According to The Guardian, Biden’s campaign has confirmed to reporters that the president is “willing to face Trump in person.”
Senior adviser to Trump and the Republican National Committee Chris LaCivita said, “OK let’s set it up!” Ok let’s set it up ! https://t.co/wPMBiGi0IU
— Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) April 26, 2024
As of February, the Biden campaign had continually declined to commit to a debate with the former president. When asked in March if he would commit to a debate, Biden said, “It depends on his behavior.”
“The two men debated twice during the 2020 general election — a campaign year constrained significantly by COVID-19 restrictions — and Biden was notably irritated by Trump’s antics in the chaotic first debate that year,” per Associated Press.
At one point during the first debate, Biden told Trump, “Will you shut up?”
In March, Trump similarly agreed to a debate with Biden “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere.”
“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 Truth Social on March 6. “Therefore, I am calling for Debates, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE! The Debates can be run by the Corrupt DNC, or their Subsidiary, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). I look forward to receiving a response. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” 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. Therefore, I am calling for Debates, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE! The Debates can be run by the Corrupt DNC, or their Subsidiary, the Commission…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 6, 2024
Earlier this month, a dozen news organization wrote an open letter urging Trump and Biden to debate.
“If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high,” the letter states. “Amidst that backdrop, there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation.”
The undersigned organizations included ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, NBCUniversal and NPR.
