President Joe Biden laughed when reporters outside a boba tea shop asked him about former President Donald Trump’s jab about debating him, then blew off the challenge with a wisecrack.
Former President Donald Trump made his intentions clear on The Dan Bongino Show, where he expressed his desire to debate President Biden “immediately.” In addition to the debate challenge, Trump also offered to grant a post-Super Bowl interview in place of President Biden and took a jab at the current president’s speaking abilities.
On the day of the incident, President Biden was in Las Vegas, emerging from a tea shop after a brief celebratory stop – a “boba fête,” if you will – at No. 1 Boba Tea. As reporters questioned him about Trump’s challenge, President Biden initially responded with laughter and a light-hearted joke.
When asked about accepting Trump’s debate challenge, President Biden continued to maintain a humorous tone. He remarked that if he were in Trump’s position, he might also want to debate himself, jokingly implying that Trump had nothing else to do. This witty response added a touch of levity to the situation.
Amidst the banter, reporters posed questions about the border bill, and President Biden addressed these concerns. He emphasized the need for additional resources at the border, including more agents, judges, and support. He also mentioned the imminent introduction of a bipartisan deal in the Senate.
President Biden stressed the importance of having control at the border, including opening avenues of legality while shutting down illegal entry points. He expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress on the issue of DREAMers, young people who came to the United States at a young age. He called for compassion and practical solutions for their situation.
Furthermore, President Biden mentioned his request for funding to acquire machines that detect fentanyl, a dangerous drug that has been a growing concern.
Responding to questions about how the bill could get passed in the Senate, President Biden mentioned the need for 60 votes and assured that it would be a significant development to watch. He also encouraged Speaker Johnson to pay attention to what the Senate was doing, indicating the importance of their role in the legislative process.
In this light-hearted yet informative encounter, President Biden’s response to Trump’s debate challenge showcased his wit and ability to engage with the media in a jovial manner. While addressing pressing issues like the border bill, control at the border, and the Senate’s role, he maintained an approachable and conversational tone, allowing for a glimpse into his leadership style.
Q Mr. President, Donald Trump said he’s ready to debate you right now. Do you accept?
THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.)
Q He just said that on radio. (Inaudible) — wants to debate you immediately, he says.
THE PRESIDENT: Immediately?
Q Yes.
Q Will you debate him?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I — if I were him, I’d want to debate me too. He’s got nothing else to do. (Laughter.)
Q How worried are you about the border bill, sir? How worried are you?
Q What’s your message to Speaker Johnson?
THE PRESIDENT: My message to Speaker Johnson is: Pay attention to what the Senate is doing. We’ve got a bipartisan deal, and you’re going to see the detail of it this week. It’ll be introduced on Wednesday.
The border — I’ve been asking since the first thing — the first bill I introduced was on the border. We don’t have enough agents. We don’t have enough folks. We don’t have enough judges. We don’t have enough folks there. We need help. Why won’t they give me the help, all this time?
And now, they’re starting about the — about the border. “It’s out of control.” Well, guess what? Everything in that bipartisan bill gives me control, gives us control without being — and still meets the needs of the people being able to come at all — legally come across.
We want to open avenues of legality and shut down the ones that are not coming through the points of entry. So, there’s a lot we can do.
And the one thing I am disappointed in we didn’t get done in the Senate’s piece was — I think it’s about time that — we have all those young people who came and now — the DREAMers. It’s ridiculous.
Can you imagine? You’re four years old and your mom says, “We’re crossing the Rio Grande.” And you say, “No, Mom, leave me here. I don’t want to go.” Come on. What the hell is going on here?
And they’ve become contributing Americans that are doing good jobs, and they’re decent. So, it’s about time we give them not only compassion, but a little brain — some brains in our head about what to be doing.
And, by the way, I’ve asked for money for those machines that detect fentanyl. We have these machines that can de- — and these guys are screaming about fentanyl.
AIDE: All right.
AIDE: Thanks, guys.
THE PRESIDENT: And, by the way —
(Cross-talk.)
Q How does the bill getting passed in the Senate? How does the bill get through the Senate?
THE PRESIDENT: With 60 votes, and you’re going to watch.
Q Are you going to speak to Speaker Johnson?
AIDE: Okay, thanks everybody.
AIDE: Thanks, press.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thanks, everybody.
By the way, this stuff is good. (Points at tea.) You ought to — you should’ve taken me up on it. (Laughter.)
