Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday night extended an offer to President Joe Biden for an immediate second presidential debate to be held this week, suggesting it could help Biden “redeem himself.”
Trump made this proposal during a rally at his Trump National Doral Miami resort in Doral, Florida, which was broadcast live on Newsmax2.
Following the first presidential debate in Atlanta nearly two weeks ago, Biden has faced ongoing challenges. In response, Trump presented an opportunity for Biden.
“So tonight, I’m officially offering Joe the chance to redeem himself in front of the entire world,” Trump declared. “So [Sen.] Marco [Rubio, R-Fla.] and [Rep.] Byron [Donalds, R-Fla.] and everybody, here’s what we’re going to do; you guys can be referees if you like. Let’s 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. But this time it will be man to man. No moderators, no holds barred. Just name the place anytime, anywhere.”
Rubio, reportedly one of the top three contenders for Trump’s vice-presidential selection, spoke at the rally before Trump took the stage. He was said to be the only vice-presidential candidate present in Doral.
At one point, Trump acknowledged the significant media presence at the rally.
“They’re probably expecting me to announce Rubio as vice president,” Trump remarked. “That’s a lot of press. Lot of press.”
Later in his speech, Trump suggested that even if Rubio isn’t in the Senate to vote for his plan to eliminate taxes on tips, “but you’ll be involved.”
Trump is expected to announce his vice-presidential pick before the Republican National Convention begins on Monday in Milwaukee.
Transitioning from the debate to a golf challenge with Biden, Trump revisited a topic from their first debate on June 27.
“I got my handicap, when I was vice president, down to a 6,” Biden mentioned at the end of the first debate. “And by the way, I told you before, I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?”
Trump issued a challenge in response.
“Sleepy Joe also declared that he wanted to test his skills and stamina against mine on the golf course. Can you believe this? Did you ever see him swing?” Trump questioned. “That’s why this evening … I’m also officially challenging Crooked Joe to an 18-hole golf match.
“It will be among the most watched sporting events in history, maybe bigger than the Ryder Cup or even the Masters, and I will even give Joe Biden 10 strokes a side, 10 strokes. That’s a lot. That means 20 strokes in case you don’t play golf. … And if he wins, I will give the charity of his choice — any charity that he wants — $1 million. And I’ll bet you he doesn’t take the offer.”
Trump also critiqued Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting that Biden’s selection of her was a strategic move.
“Picking Kamala Harris as his vice president was the greatest insurance policy of all time,” Trump said. “If Joe had picked someone even halfway competent, they would have bounced him from office years ago.”
{Matzav.com}