Former President Trump has accepted President Biden’s proposal to have televised debates with him in June and September, criticizing the Commission on Presidential Debates as being “completely controlled by the Democratic Party” and calling Biden “the worst debater I’ve ever encountered.”
On Wednesday morning, the Biden-Harris campaign team outlined this proposal in a letter to the commission, suggesting a departure from the commission’s decades-long tradition by reducing the usual three debates to two.
The proposal includes the first debate to take place in late June, potentially after Trump’s criminal trial in New York is concluded and after Biden returns from the G7 Summit meeting with world leaders. The second presidential debate would be held in September before early voting begins. The Biden-Harris campaign team also suggested a vice-presidential debate to take place in late July, after the Republican vice-presidential nominee is confirmed.
Trump told Fox News Digital, “Dishonest Crooked Joe Biden is the worst debater I’ve ever encountered. He speaks incoherently, and he is the worst president in American history.”
Trump expressed his readiness for the proposed June and early September debate dates, saying, “I’m completely ready for it. I’m ready for the dates they proposed. Any location, any time, no problem. Let’s see if Joe can step up to the podium.”
He added, “I will even provide my own means of transportation.”
In a video message shared earlier on Wednesday, Biden said, “Donald Trump lost to me in the two debates in 2020 and hasn’t been involved in a debate since then. Now, he’s back with the idea of debating me again. Well, let’s make it happen, buddy. I’m even willing to debate twice, so pick a day!”
He jokingly taunted, “Donald, I heard you’re free on Wednesday.”
On Wednesday, Trump also posted on TRUTH Social, reiterating his views expressed to Fox News Digital.
Trump wrote, “It’s time for a debate so he (Biden) can explain his disastrous open border policy, the new absurd electric vehicle mandate, the subsidies causing severe inflation, high taxes, and his extremely weak foreign policy that has the world ‘in turmoil.'”
He stated, “I’m prepared and willing to debate Crooked Joe in the two debates in June and September. I strongly suggest having more than two debates and holding them in a very large venue to make it exciting. However, Biden is said to be afraid of crowds because he doesn’t understand crowds. Just tell me the time, and I’ll be there. Let’s get ready to rumble!!!”
On May 11th, Trump held a campaign event at the Jersey Shore in New Jersey, a deeply blue state, while his trial was ongoing at a criminal court in Manhattan, New York. Tens of thousands of people attended the event.