The 2024 presidential election is looking slim after Republican Nikki Haley dropped out on Wednesday. This leaves former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden in a possible head-to-head for the White House once again. However, there has been no confirmation or commitment from either potential candidate as of now. So, the question remains, will there be a debate between the two? Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre this question on Wednesday. But, she was hesitant in giving a direct answer.
Doocy asked Jean-Pierre, “Is that what you’re excited about? Is that what you wanna see?” This was her response to Doocy asking her, for the fourth or fifth time, if there will be a Joe Biden-Donald Trump debate this fall. Doocy clarified that he was not asking about a specific debate, but rather, in general, how Biden would do in a debate. Jean-Pierre tried to use Biden’s 2023 State of the Union Address as an example of how he would handle himself in a debate. She claimed that he “[took] on Republicans during giving a major speech.” Jean-Pierre emphasized how Biden fought for programs that were essential for the American people, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, she never directly answered Doocy’s question.
Jean-Pierre’s answer raises the question, why is she refusing to answer the question? Perhaps it’s because President Biden has not been very keen on facing the press and cameras. In fact, on one occasion, he announced that he was “going to bed” in the middle of taking questions. This shows his lack of mental sharpness and ability to handle difficult situations. According to the CNN Special Counsel Robert Hur, Biden would come off as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” if he were to stand trial. So, the concern about how Biden would do in a debate is valid.
As Jean-Pierre made it apparent, this is not the first time this question has been asked, but each time, there has been no definitive answer. Is the White House avoiding the question because they are not confident in Biden’s ability to participate in a debate? Or are they simply not willing to commit to a debate yet? Regardless of the reason, the lack of transparency raises doubts about the president’s mental and physical capabilities. The American public deserves to know if their president is fit to take on such a demanding and crucial role.
DOOCY: "It's possible that there will be no Joe Biden-Donald Trump debates?"
KJP: "Is that what you're excited about? Is that what you wanna see?" pic.twitter.com/Yoq4EgcbLv
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 6, 2024
Doocy’s question to Jean-Pierre was valid, and her avoidance of a direct answer leaves the public questioning the president’s competence. Jean-Pierre’s attempt to brush off the question by bringing up Biden’s 2023 State of the Union Address was insufficient in providing a clear answer.
As the public eagerly waits for a response, it remains to be seen if there will be a debate between Biden and Trump in the future.
Personally… I don’t think they have the gall. They can’t hide behind the pandemic this time…