Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg attempted to take a swipe at former President Trump for not wanting to debate Vice President Harris. It didn’t go well.
In a post on X, Buttigieg remarked, “Has a presidential nominee ever agreed to a debate, then pulled out? Remarkable show of weakness here.”
Has a presidential nominee ever agreed to a debate, then pulled out?
Remarkable show of weakness here. https://t.co/tw9KhmhkpN [1]
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 26, 2024 [2]
This ignited a round of criticism from many who pointed out that it was actually Biden who had backpedaled from a debate commitment with Trump during the previous election cycle.
Well at least he didn’t leave the nation during the worst supply chain issue of our time to go on maternally leave
— Walt the Typicalfloridaman (@GrunchyWalt) July 26, 2024 [3]
CNN’s Scott Jennings chimed in on X, stating, “Yes. Biden. Literally this past weekend,” while pollster Frank Luntz highlighted, “Joe Biden agreed to 2 debates, then pulled out of his entire campaign after the first one.”
Wowzers. Gonna need the trauma team for this level burn. 🔥 🚨🚑🚒. Frank coming in pitching HEAT. 🍖
— Resonant Crypto (@ResonantCrypto) July 26, 2024 [4]
Similarly, The Federalist’s Mollie Hemingway questioned, “The only one I can think of is Joe Biden, right?” and Fox News contributor Guy Benson expressed surprise at Buttigieg’s comments and offered, “The man just pulled out of the race (and therefore the second debate), clearly against his will. Undeniable weakness aside, give him a moment of peace.”
The only one I can think of is Joe Biden, right? https://t.co/oDby79GWLf [5]
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) July 26, 2024 [6]
I’m actually surprised Pete would dunk this hard on his boss, Joe Biden. The man *just* pulled out of the race (and therefore the second debate), clearly against his will. Undeniable weakness aside, give him a moment of peace. https://t.co/KgdOt8OElK [7]
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) July 26, 2024 [8]
Alina Habba weighed in on Fox News. Watch:
Trump recently expressed willingness to debate Vice President Harris more than once in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. “Absolutely. I’d want to. I think it’s important,” he affirmed in response to a query from Fox News’ Bill Melugin during a conference call with reporters. Trump also indicated his openness to more than one debate, clarifying, “I haven’t agreed to anything. I agreed to a debate with Joe Biden.”
BREAKING: In call with reporters, former President Trump tells me he is willing to commit to “more than one” debate with Kamala Harris if she is the Democratic nominee.
“Oh yes, absolutely, I want to,” Trump said when I asked.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 23, 2024 [9]
The Trump campaign subsequently announced that it would not commit to a debate until the Democrats finalize their nominee, contending that scheduling discussions with Harris might become inappropriate if the Democratic nominee changes.
Vice President Harris criticized this stance as “backpedaling.”
Trump agreed on a September 10th debate.
It now appears he’s backpedaling.
Voters deserve to see the split screen that exists on a debate stage.
I’m ready. So let’s go.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024 [10]