Former President Donald Trump challenged President Joe Biden to debate him on key issues facing the nation.
The former president’s debate challenge targeting President Biden is noteworthy as the GOP candidate has not taken part in any of the five Republican debates, a decision that garnered criticism from his rivals in the party.
President Trump’s challenge triggered a response from the Biden campaign. “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,” Michael Tyler, a communications director for the president’s campaign, said in an interview with Fox.
“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.”
President Biden is set to address a joint session of Congress at the United States Capitol on March 7. The address arrives at a time when the Biden administration is confronting a multitude of challenges, including the need to prevent a government shutdown, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and the ongoing border crisis.
Democrats are pushing the president to keep the speech’s focus on his achievements related to the economy, infrastructure, and other matters. Republicans do not expect the president to touch on key problems.
“No amount of scripted rhetoric from the White House will change the fact that the real State of the Union has been defined by the unprecedented crisis at our southern border, total chaos overseas, and lingering economic struggles caused by Joe Biden’s failed policies,” Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) told Fox.
Meanwhile, President Trump responded to the Biden campaign’s suggestion, saying he will be closely watching President Biden’s speech.
“We did this once before to tremendous success, beating all records. It is important for the country to get the truth!”
Trump Versus Biden
During a Fox News town hall held in South Carolina last month, President Trump asserted that he was willing to have as many debates as necessary with President Biden.“I think you have an obligation in this case, you really have an obligation to debate ... When you have the final Republican, the final Democrat, you have the two people, you have to debate regardless of polls,” he stated.
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley recently withdrew from the GOP race, ensuring a rematch between President Trump and President Biden in the November election.
While 87 percent of voters who chose President Trump in the 2020 election said they would vote for him this cycle as well, 85 percent of those who voted for President Biden in 2020 plan to vote for him again this November.
“27 percent of so-called double-haters, who view Trump and Biden unfavorably, say they‘d vote for Trump if the presidential election were held today, compared with 26 percent who’d back Biden,” Morning Consult stated.
President Trump’s popularity is also increasing. “With a net favorability rating just 3 points underwater, Trump is the most popular he’s been among the general electorate since mid-December when he was 2 points underwater. Meanwhile, voters are 8 points more likely to have an unfavorable than favorable view of Biden.”
