Biden doesn't rule out debating Trump: 'It depends on his behavior'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Hill

03/08/24 3:50 PM ET


President Biden is not ruling out debating former President Trump, as the pair prepare for a likely head-to-head match-up in November’s presidential election.

“It depends on his behavior,” Biden said when asked Friday whether he’d commit to a debate with the former president.

Trump, who skipped every Republican presidential primary debate held this cycle, even as the race winnowed to just two top GOP contenders, renewed calls this week for Biden to debate him ahead of Election Day. “It is important, for the Good of our Country, that Joe Biden and I Debate Issues that are so vital to America, and the American People,” Trump wrote Wednesday evening on Truth Social. “Therefore, I am calling for Debates, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE!”

The Biden campaign dismissed Trump’s call for debates as “thirsty for attention” just before the president took the podium to deliver the high-profile State of the Union address Thursday evening. During the speech, Biden took several shots at his predecessor, painting his administration as a stark contrast to the possibility of another Trump term.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4519792-biden-doesnt-rule-out-debating-trump-general-election-2024/

[Scrivener7]

1. There's no upside.

[getagrip_already]

3. Only upside is getting focus on his lack of focus

He will just ramble. He will have thought breaks. He might even have slurred speach and a psychotic break.

Or He could just ramble senselessly about all of his constant lies and obsessions.

While Joe just keeps hitting it put of the park.

I would want to see a barrier between them though. Maybe a moat. With sharks.

[mucifer]

6. I disagree the debates I saw with the two

Of them was just lots of screaming. President Biden had to yell to get any words in at all

I had to turn it off it was horrible!

[getagrip_already]

8. I saw those also....

Trump is very different now. His decline is biting hard.

[niyad]

30. So let it decline 7 or 8 months more ( or TRAITOR** could stroke out).

[bucolic_frolic]

45. Keep the faith. /nt

[niyad]

46. Trying!

[AllaN01Bear]

65. wish someone would go up to him and poke him and watch him go ka boom a. now thats better .

[COL Mustard]

68. Just not too soon!

Don't want it before the convention. August, September, October...prime stroke time!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

9. Sharks with lasers.

[getagrip_already]

11. And batteries....

So he would also be electromocutioned.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

14. It took me a minute to recognize how appropriate your choice of sharks is...

https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trumps-deathly-fear-of-sharks-i-hope-all-the-sharks-die

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/19/sharks-donald-trump

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/trump-reveals-hed-rather-die-by-electrocution-than-by-shark.html

[AllaN01Bear]

66. mt(### off ) jewish space laser green , where are u.?

after reading the state of the union speach, me thinks t,, would not show up but,,,,,,,.

[peppertree]

49. Still - it's an absolute must

For a major party nominee to duck a national, televised debate - is always disastrous.

Just ask Jimmy Carter, who refused to attend one of the major debates because John Anderson was there.

He did himself no favors with the electorate - and there, he at least some good reason (i.e. that it would hurt him by helping Anderson).

Argentina's Daniel Scioli made the same mistake in 2015 (because the organizer was in the tank for his RW opponent) - and it arguably cost him a close election (2.8%). The country's still paying for that mistake - and dearly.

But in this case, it would just have "fear of Trump" written all over it. That's how it would play in Peoria.

[Scrivener7]

52. I hear you but I disagree. I believe those who are not already in the bag for him will see the pointlessness.

[peppertree]

57. That's a factor, yes - but again, how would it play in Peoria?

Like Biden ducking the debate out of fear, that's how.

Would it that it weren't so.

[andym]

53. Disagree: It was the debate with Reagan that Carter did attend that hurt the Jimmy the most

Though Jimmy Carter had the Iranian hostages and high inflation, folks were still wary of Reagan who had been demonized in the press for having wacky ideas (trees a major cause of pollution, wanting to end end Medicare, etc) and potentially dangerous as the CIC. Jimmy Carter criticized him well enough, but the "there you go again Jimmy" line and affable Reagan personality diffused the fears about Ronnie and he won going away.

[peppertree]

54. True - plus the fact that Reagan's people had the stolen notes (furnished by Pat Caddell)

Still, I contend that had Carter not attended - the impact on his poll numbers would've been even worse.

Don't forget that polls were tight right up to election day weekend 1980 (i.e. after the deabte).

That weekend, Carter announced that he had made a breakthrough with Teheran - and it looked like finally we'd see the hostages freed. Voters watched the Sunday evening news with baited breath!

But....

[andym]

56. We will never know, but the debate was considered a turning point by many analysts

on the one hand, the hostages were a sunk cost-- but OTOH Ted Koppel's America Held Hostage day xyz was certainly like acid to Carter's reelection. That thee GOP might have struck a deal with the Iranians to not release the hostages until after the election obviously had negative consequences for Jimmy. Still Carter was leading until after that one debate in late October.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polling_for_United_States_presidential_elections
Look at October November 1980.

But look at this article from Gallup that makes the point about the debate very clear:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/111451/late-upsets-rare-happened.aspx
"The 1980 example is not necessarily one that John McCain can hope is duplicated this year. Reagan's late-breaking surge that year is generally attributed to the only presidential debate between Carter and Reagan -- held one week before the election, on Oct. 28 -- which seemed to move voter preferences in Reagan's direction, as well as the ongoing Iran hostage crisis, which reached its one-year anniversary on Election Day. After trailing Carter by 8 points among registered voters (and by 3 points among likely voters) right before their debate, Reagan moved into a 3-point lead among likely voters immediately afterward, and he won the Nov. 4 election by 10 points."

That darn debate might have changed history, as the Fed under Volcker, appointed by Carter in 1979, finally broke the back of stagflation in 1983, and ushered in the boom of the mid-80s. The Reagan economic miracle would have been the Carter economic miracle.

[peppertree]

59. It played a role, yes- but that fateful "Iran breakthrough" weekend sealed the deal

Once voters woke up Monday morning to the news that, no, there'd be no breakthrough - that was it.

Even the treacherous Caddell (Carter's pollster at the time) admitted in an election night interview that that's what swung the last-minute voters Reagan's way - and that the swing was close to 10 points (!).

That said, there's no question to my mind, that Biden would look "weak and scared of Trump" if he even entertained such a notion.

Would it that it weren't so - but that's how it would play in Peoria.

[andym]

61. Are you sure of the timeline-- I remember Carter downplaying the "breakthrough"

From the AP news archive:
https://apnews.com/general-news-6149da2418b140c2b1d5b0ca5779bac5

Day 363, Oct. 31 - Radio Tehran says Iran has been victorious in the hostage crisis and a “just method” for freeing the captives has been worked out. A Swedish airliner is reported on standby to fly the Americans from Tehran. The White House continues to caution against over-optimism.

Day 365, Nov. 2 - Parliament votes to free the hostages if the United States meets conditions set by Khomeini and a parliamentary committee: Release of Iranian assets frozen in U.S. banks, return of the late shah’s wealth, withdrawal of lawsuits pending against Iran and a U.S. pledge of non-intervention in Iranian affairs. President Carter says the terms “appear to offer a positive basis” for negotiations.

Day 366, Nov. 3 - With Ayatollah Khomeini’s approval, the militants relinquish “responsibility” for the hostages to the Iranian government. U.S. officials call it a major breakthrough.

Day 367, Nov. 4 - Tens of thousands of Iranians demonstrate outside the U.S. Embassy to mark the first anniversary of its capture. Iran’s Foreign Ministry demands a quick Carter administration response to Iran’s terms for the hostages’ release. Ronald Reagan defeats President Carter in a landslide vote.

[peppertree]

63. But the voters, in general, saw it that way - and the disappointment was the final straw

Caddell admitted as much at the time.

But we digress.

Have no doubt, Andy, that Biden were to even be seen as considering such a thing, it would hurt him.

And that if he actually bailed - that would be it.

He would, in the eyes of the fickle electorate, be "scared of Trump" - and would almost certainly never recover.

Would it that it weren't so.

[SergeStorms]

62. No upside for Trump.

On policy, Democrats win.

Trump knows nothing about policy. In a controlled debate, where Trump isn't allowed to turn everything into a MAGA rally, Biden wipes the floor with Trump.

[Uncle Joe]

67. There is no downside, Biden just threw down a too ponderous glove for *rump to pick up. n/t

[appleannie1]

72. He only has one behavior. Chaos through a bully pulpit.

[Freethinker65]

2. Good response.

President Biden has only started to campaign and still has the actual job as President to do.

[Chainfire]

4. Trump's handlers will not let him debate Biden. They know that Trump would have his head handed to him.

Biden should call his bluff and say, "How's next Thursday, Donnie?"

[PortTack]

33. Agree...in fact I wonder when they are going to start "hiding" him from the public like they did raygun

They’ll put out older clips AI generated no doubt

[erronis]

5. As long as there is an active fact-checking chyron running across the screen. And

their are enforced/automated mike cut-offs after a defined period.

[TheRickles]

24. Yes, mike cut-offs and a moderator who is willing and able to prevent interruptions.

[HighFired49]

26. Mic cutoffs

and Dump in a soundproof booth. He'll just yell over everyone even with a dead mic if he's allowed to be in the same room. He's like a little brat that you have to tell "You can stay in here with the adults as long as you behave." At the same time, you know he won't behave, so stick him in a booth.

[NonPC]

78. Debate Via Remote Booths

Sound and Audio Engineers tightly control the pre-agreed times with strict cut off. Doesn't matter how loud Trump screams, he can't get it beyond the television studio as Joe could be miles away. Oh, and be sure to put a timer icon on the bottom of the live feed, so viewers can see how much time is left before yellow, then red, then cut off. No way to claim victim with that system.

[HighFired49]

27. Dupl., sorry

nt

[NonPC]

77. Amen To That !

[BootinUp]

7. I like that Biden is already setting conditions

for it to happen but no commitment.

[pfitz59]

10. Biden bested Trump with two words

Shut up!

[The Grand Illuminist]

12. Not worth it.

Plus the GOP wanton removal from CPD.

[Novara]

13. Biden will reduce him to ashes.

As soon as Biden calls his bluff, he'll back out because he knows Biden will destroy him.

[TomSlick]

15. Debating Trump would only work with clear rules and a strong moderator with the power to cut-off mics.

Trump would never agree to a real debate.

[bluestarone]

16. Joe's choice!! My only thing is

The MODERATOR says Mr. President to only ONE person, Joe Biden!! Then call tRUMP challenger. (could think of a lot better name.) (LOSER)

[Raven123]

17. Sounds like Joe is baiting TFG or drawing a line in the sand

No debate unless TFG maintains decorum and the rules are enforced. Good.

[bdamomma]

18. If anyone remembers

when they debated before that Orange Pus Thug walked on the stage infected with Covid and debated with Joe.

Orange POS is EVIL.

[Deuxcents]

19. He doesn't deserve any consideration. He shouldn't even be qualified to run for president

If I were an advisor, I’d let Biden know that there would not be a debate but not announce it. Agreeing to a debate normalizes the process and TSF and his supporters are not due that tradition.

[jaxexpat]

40. Best reason yet not to appear on the same stage with him.

The legitimate POTUS doesn't debate, compete or even associate on equal basis with convicted felons, insurrectionists and traitors.

That should apply to half-baked and bought-off USSC justices as well. Let them embrace this presidential immunity delay-charade and as it runs its logical course, we may just see how many get arrested on live TeeVee. I'd rather, should it become inevitable, America's version of "night of the long knives" be expeditiously and judiciously conducted by Democrats rather than the minority party led by ham fisted neo-tyrannist knuckle draggers and sadists. Remember that gut punch in 2016, when you first became aware that Trump had defeated Hillary? Well, that falling feeling in the pit of your (or your grandchildren's) stomach could be a bayonet next time, care of Fox News.

[Midnight Writer]

20. Time for debate would be after the conventions, if at all.

Whatever Joe decides to do is OK with me. I trust the President and his judgement.

[Talitha]

21. "Hey Donnie, have your guy call my guy - they'll have to work around your court dates."

C'mon Joe, you know you want to...

[CTyankee]

36. "Sure, if you're not in custody then."

[Grumpy Old Guy]

22. Trump tried to give Biden covid in 2020.

He tried to kill Biden with covid. He would probably try it again.

[Turbineguy]

23. The easy way of saying no.

Although it might be fun to watch trump flip out.

[tclambert]

25. Someone once said, "Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty . . . but the pig likes it."

[ToxMarz]

28. I repeatedly hear people asking Biden about if he will debate Trump

and the pundits on both sides speculating ad nauseam whether he will. But I haven't heard anyone ask Trump or speculate about it. And he's the one who broke tradition and refused to debate in the primaries (also refused to sign the pledge to support eventual nominee that everyone else is being expected to hold true to). It's always an obvious double standard as far as democrats and Trump. .

[scarletlib]

35. Agree. The question should be reversed. Will Trump debate Biden?

I think Trump’s campaign realized after the SOTU Speech that Biden will give him a verbal beat down.

[SouthernDem4ever]

29. Uhh Joe? Give me one example in 8 years where he has behaved

Just don't do it. He's not worth the time.

[SCantiGOP]

31. Yea. He has to

Let Biden just hit Trump with statements he has made in the past and ask him to accept or deny it.
He would make him look like the fool he is.

[orangecrush]

32. If it depends on Trump's behaviot

Ain't gonna happen.

I hope Joe doesn't give Trump a chance to get close enough for the stink to reach him.

[CTyankee]

37. Remember how he circled behind Hillary at their debate, literally trolling her physically...

[orangecrush]

44. Here is my answer on this

Reposted from another thread...

"It would give Trump a platform to be an obnoxious ass is all it would do.

He doesn't have to present a fact based logical argument, all he has to do is spew hate and whackjob conspiracy shit, interrupt and heckle, and his nutcase "base" will declare victory.

Don't give it to them."

[ancianita]

34. President Biden should never dignify this indicted 'contender'/tool with any kind of debate. End of discussion.

This right here ...

for the Good of our Country, that Joe Biden and I Debate Issues that are so vital to America, and the American People,

is a lie.

It is Trump's attempt to get media to normalize him as a leader. It's trumphype to the mediahypers.

[liberal N proud]

38. It might be a perfect way to demonstrate Biden's Predecessor is unstable

Get him off script and he will start to mumble.
Biden would simply need to remain calm throughout and call him out to his face like he did Congress and the SCOTUS.

[sop]

39. Joe should invite E. Jean Carroll to the debate, she could sit in the VIP section in the front row.

[CTyankee]

55. Oh, I LIKE that!

There might be other women who would like to join her (altho I would understand if they couldn't stomach it).

[sop]

60. Trump brought Juanita Broaddrick, Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Kathy Shelton to the 2016 debate.

[twodogsbarking]

41. Asking Trump to behave is like asking him to tell the truth.

Y'all get it.

[DownriverDem]

42. Only if

trump agrees to stay in his lane & mics are cut when they aren't talking.

[OverBurn]

43. Yes, Mic cuts are a must. That orange fool can't shut up.

[bucolic_frolic]

47. Find another format that includes spontaneity with questions

Each candidate, one separate hour, 8-10 questions from independent journalists, and let each answer. Debates are a lot of hype.

[Enquiring_Mind]

48. Let Trump keep reminding people of who he is

He'll act like a buffoon, and that will hurt him with moderates.

[womanofthehills]

50. If Kennedy gets on more state ballots

He could also possibly be in the debates.

[Enquiring_Mind]

51. Kennedy makes it a no for me

Kennedy is no Kennedy, but he hurts Biden imo.

[joshcryer]

58. Under no circumstances should Trump debate the insurrectionist.

[AllaN01Bear]

64. i have a feeling that all others would clean trumps clock.

[blueknight73]

69. He should rule it out,

Nothing to gain from a debate. Trumpers are going to vote for Trump no matter how bad he would do in a debate

[Turbineguy]

70. And you know how he'll behave.

[GreenWave]

71. Depends eh?

Sneaky one there!

[Evolve Dammit]

73. "Shut Up Man". Just shut up. Let the grown ups and not the convicted criminals have discussions/ debates

[KY_EnviroGuy]

74. There's no such thing as a Trump debate.

Narcissistic, psychopathic spoiled brats simply do not understand how to carry out an intelligent, balanced exchange of ideas and beliefs between humans.

Then there's also TFG's lying and deceiving at every breath, so what would be the purpose?

Just like trying to reason with most Rethugs, it's a waste of time, energy and/or electrons.

[KS Toronado]

75. So what important issue does lil donnie want to discuss?

Stolen elections? Overturning the Constitution? OK for Putin to be VP?

[doc03]

76. Number one they have to mute the SOB when

Biden is asked a question.

[tavernier]

79. It would make more sense for them to fill out a crossword puzzle.

Same puzzle made up of questions pertaining to our country and history.
That way we could judge each man’s knowledge without having to wade through the bs and lies.

[ck4829]

80. K&R

[Zincwarrior]

81. Its an interesting question

On the one hand, Trump is not a good debater. The only debates he "won," were when he tweeted or did some horrific thing a few hours later. Biden held his own and frankly beat him in their debates. Trump also is mentally deteriorating. He also rejected the committee on Presidential debates so everything would be a negotiation, but it would show people not paying attention how "reality unencumbered" Trump is.

Inversely, Biden is also deteriorating. Like it or not Democrats, but he is deteriorating at a more rapid pace. Further, Trump has perfected the art of literally saying more lies per minute than can be responded to.

If it were me, I would drag it and then say "sorry, I don't debate those under felony criminal indictments."