The US President told NBC’s Lester Holt he will only take the Republican frontrunner on again in September, as was earlier agreed
US President Joe Biden has rejected Donald Trump’s request for another unscheduled debate, dismissing Trump’s suggestion that it would give him a chance to “redeem himself” after his poor performance in the first televised debate.
Biden has faced calls to step aside from the presidential race after his perceived frailty and confusion during the June 27 debate. According to the New York Times, some Democratic donors have withheld $90 million in contributions to pressure the party to replace the 81-year-old president on the ticket. Biden, however, has maintained his commitment to the race.
Last week, at a rally in Miami, Trump proposed a “redemption” debate.
“Let us do another debate this week so that sleepy Joe Biden can prove to everyone all over the world that he has what it takes to be president,” he said, suggesting a moderator-free, “man-to-man” format.
When asked about the proposal during an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt on Tuesday, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the previously scheduled debate.
“I’m gonna debate him when we agreed to debate. And I agreed to debate him in September,” Biden said. The second encounter is set for September 10, hosted by ABC News.
Biden pushed back when Holt suggested a spontaneous debate in the coming weeks would allow him to “get back on the horse.”
“I am on the horse. Where have you been? I have done 22 major events, met thousands of people, overwhelming crowds. A lot has been happening. I am on the horse,” he said, emphasizing his ability to handle questions without relying on notes or a teleprompter.
“I can go out and answer any questions at all,” he said.
Multiple US news outlets have reported in recent weeks that Democratic donors and officials are plotting to force Biden out of the race and replace him with another candidate. Axios reported last week that an “anti-Biden network” that includes veterans of the Obama and Clinton administrations are seeking to oust Biden and field a candidate they believe has a better chance of winning the November election.
Biden told Holt on Tuesday that he would not repeat his poor performance at the next debate. “I don’t plan on having another performance on that level,” he said.