Donald Trump challenged Joe Biden to another presidential debate “this week” and a golf match that he claimed would be “bigger than the Ryder Cup or even the Masters” during his latest campaign rally at his club.
The former president took to the stage at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, Florida – which he described as “one of the greatest golf courses on Earth,” shortly after 8pm ET on Tuesday, in front of large cheering crowds.
“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,” he said.
His appearance came as speculation around his vice presidential pick reaches fever pitch – with six days to go until the Republican National Convention. Trump has said he would likely make a decision on who his 2024 running mate will be “a little before” or during the convention, which kicks off on July 15.
One VP hopeful, Marco Rubio, appeared on stage before the former president on Tuesday, though sadly for him Trump made no announcement as to his decision.
It comes as a new poll showed Vice President Kamala Harris has a better shot than Biden at defeating Trump in November.
Democrats in Congress say mood is grim as a ‘funeral’ as Biden refuses to drop out
There was very little enthusiasm visible from members of President Joe Biden’s party as they continued to trickle back onto Capitol Hill this week for the return of business in the House and Senate.
Even those who have urged Biden to make the hard choice and withdraw from the race — like ranking Judiciary member Jerry Nadler — admitted to reporters on Tuesday that they were at an impasse.
John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.
Oliver O’Connell10 July 2024 04:30
Trump challenges Biden to another debate this week and golf match during Florida rally
Donald Trump challenged Joe Biden to another presidential debate “this week” and a golf match that he claimed would be “bigger than the Ryder Cup or even the Masters” during his latest campaign rally.
Trump said he wanted to take on Biden in a debate that would be “man to man, no moderators, no holds barred.”
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 04:26
Oliver O’Connell10 July 2024 03:30
Florida rally a Trump family affair
During his rally Trump made a point to shout out his various members of family, including his sons, who he described as “my boys”.
A special introduction was made to 18-year-old Barron Trump, who made his political rally debut.
The youngester, echoing his father’s showmanship, rose to his feet, waved to the crowd and pumped his fist – prompting cheers from the crowd.
“That’s the first time he’s done it … He might be more popular than Don and Eric,” Trump said.
“Welcome to the scene, Barron, I don’t know. He had such a nice, easy life. Now it’s a little bit changed. Special guy, right?”
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 02:30
Trump says it’s ‘a lot of fun’ to be indicted
Donald Trump told the cheering crowds at his golf course in Florida that it was “a lot of fun” to get indicted.
The former president was convicted of 34 felony counts of concealing hush money payments in May, and faces several more legal battles.
“Every time the radical left Democrats, Marxist communists and fascists indict me, I consider it a great badge of honor, I do, because I’m indicted for you,” he said.
“Never forget our enemies want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom. It’s as simple as that.”
He added: “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of fun being indicted.”
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 02:15
Watch: Trump challenges Biden to second debate… and round of golf
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 02:00
Trump teases press over VP announcement
Remarking on the amount of press attending his rally in Florida, Trump speculated that it was because of the anticipation surrounding his choice for vice president.
“I think they probably think I’m going to be announcing that Marco [Rubio] is going to be vice president, because that’s a lot of press. That’s a lot of press,” he said.
Florida Senator Rubio appeared ahead of Trump at the rally, which is taking place at the Trump National Doral Golf Club.
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 01:45
In pictures: Trump speaks at Florida golf course rally
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 01:35
Trump challenges Biden to another debate… and 18 holes of golf
Speaking by the 10th hole of the Trump National Doral Golf Club, which he described as “one of the greatest golf courses on Earth,” Donald Trump challenged Joe Biden to another presidential debate later this week.
The former president laid into Biden’s performance on June 27, and said he had scored “even according to the fake news media, the most decisive and overwhelming defeat in the history of presidential debates.”
”Even CNN said as I walked off the stage that it was one of the greatest performances they’ve ever seen. But it was sort of easy, if you want to know the truth,” he told the cheering crowds.
“But don’t feel sorry for he’s a very bad guy. He weaponized government. Remember that is a very bad guy. Don’t feel sorry for. So tonight, I’m officially offering, Joe, the chance to redeem himself in front of the entire world.
“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, any time.”
Trump went on to challenge Biden to an 18 hole golf match, something the two men clashed over in bizarre fashion during the debate.
“It will be among the most watched sporting events in history, maybe bigger than the Ryder Cup or even the Masters,” Trump said.
“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. I will give him 10 strokes a side and if he wins, I will give the charity of his choice, any charity that he wants, $1 million.”
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 01:12
Watch: Who will Trump’s running mate be?
Mike Bedigan10 July 2024 00:20