Fox News has invited the campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris to hold a debate on the network after President Joe Biden decided earlier this week to withdraw from the debate and endorse his VP.
“Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee, FOX News Media is amending our proposal for a debate this cycle. Given the race has changed, we’d like to request the opportunity to host a Presidential Debate between VP Harris and former President Trump,” said a letter from Fox News Media president Jay Wallace and Fox News Vice President of Politics Jessica Loker.
“We propose to host the debate in the state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 17, just as early voting is getting underway there and in other key battlegrounds. We are open to discussion on the exact date, format and location – with or without an audience,” the letter continued.
They concluded: “In recognition of FOX News Media’s capabilities and reputation, we cordially extend an invitation to all concerned parties to discuss our proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation.”
Fox noted that neither campaign had responded to the offer, but Trump addressed the debates on his Truth Social platform this week.
“My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September,” Trump wrote.
“Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC. Thank you!” he added.
Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday night after his stunning decision to drop out of the presidential election. Biden told the American public that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title” and that he plans to serve the remainder of his term.
“I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People,’” Biden said.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” Biden added.
BIDEN: My record is so good, I’ve “decided” to drop out of the presidential race pic.twitter.com/PT2frQEPjx
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 25, 2024
Anger and frustration mounted inside Biden’s inner circle as well as with the president himself amid a cacophony of calls for him to drop out after a dismal debate performance last month and a collapse in polling.
According to sources who spoke to NBC News, Biden felt “isolated, frustrated, and angry. He considered his allies to have betrayed him during a time of need. The network quoted someone within the inner circle who said of Biden: “He’s really pissed off.”
The outlet said Biden spent the weekend with several close advisers and family, but Vice President Kamala Harris, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, and campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon were not among them.
The report also said that multiple advisers warned that Biden had no path to victory. “It became a no-win situation, a self-fulfilling prophecy,” former White House official Cedric Richmond said Sunday. Without money and support, “it’s impossible to win, and he’s always put country and party first.”
Loyalists to Biden also were frustrated that members of the Democratic Party called on him to step aside instead of rallying behind him, the outlet reported.
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