NEW DELHI: Donald Trump has challenged Joe Biden to a debate after both emerged as the likely candidates for the US presidential election in November.
Trump, who avoided debates during the Republican nomination race, expressed the importance of discussing vital issues for the country. He called for debates to be held “anytime, anywhere, and anyplace”, on his Truth Social platform.
Trump secured the Republican nomination on Super Tuesday, winning in all states except Vermont against Nikki Haley. Despite his initial refusal to participate in debates with lower-polling rivals, he is now open to debates hosted by the Democrats.
Meanwhile, Biden, who has also faced scrutiny over his age and mental acuity, has not yet revealed his stance on debating Trump. The two candidates clashed twice in 2020, but the first encounter was chaotic, with Trump frequently interrupting Biden. A third debate was canceled due to Trump’s refusal to participate virtually because of Covid-19.
In addition to the debate challenge, Trump pledged to provide a ‘rapid response’ to Biden during his State of the Union address. The annual speech takes place on Thursday, when the president will outline his vision for governance and highlight his achievements, seeking support for another term.