In response to queries about whether President Biden will debate Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump before November’s election, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre got into a heated exchange with a reporter on Wednesday.
“Will President Biden agree to engage President Donald Trump in debate?” Peter Doocy of Fox News asked a White House journalist.
In response, Jean Pierre said, “That’s something the campaign should talk about.”
“Well, we are aware of the scheduled times for the discussions. We are aware of their intended location. Will he leave? Doocy pressed once more.
“You ought to address the campaign,” she said.
Biden had earlier stated in 2020 that he could “not wait to debate” the former president, Doocy reminded her.
“You have a monotone voice. Throughout the White House press briefing, Jean-Pierre kept saying, “You should get in touch with the campaign.”
“Why is this a campaign thing?” Doocy retorted.
“Since there is an election, It’s an election discussion for 2024,” she said.
Doocy persisted in pressing Jean-Pierre for a response, bringing up the pressing issues related to the president’s “age and sharpness” that may prevent him from participating in the debate.
“We won’t be talking about it; that’s something the campaign should talk about. But I believe I addressed your age-related concern somewhat. You are aware that tomorrow you will see the State of the Union. The president will be outlining his ideas for you to hear. The president, who has made good progress over the past three years, will speak to you about the need for much more effort, according to Jean-Pierre.
Then a reporter sitting next to Doocy sneezed, cutting off the conversation, much to the amusement of the White House press secretary.
Jean-Pierre continued by enumerating the president’s track record and achievements.
Doocy had a lengthy response, but she did not back down.
“Maybe there won’t be a Joe Biden-Donald Trump debate, just to be clear?” he inquired.
She said, “Is that what you are thrilled about?” “You asked me three or four times, in various formats.”
Jean-Pierre then went to another reporter to ask inquiries.
Former White House press secretary and Fox News anchor Dana Perino stated that Trump ought to have challenged Biden to a debate during his victory address at a Super Tuesday television panel. But the former president did demand a discussion with Biden on Wednesday afternoon.
Trump said on Truth Social, “It is crucial that Joe Biden and I debate issues that are so vital to America and the American people, for the good of our country.”
Thus, I’m urging debates at any time, location, or point! The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), a subsidiary of the corrupt Democratic National Committee (DNC), may oversee the debates. I’m eager to hear back from you. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this.