In a powerful display of leadership and determination, former President Donald Trump declared on Friday night that he has special demands before going head-to-head with President Joe Biden next month. Speaking to an energized crowd at a Republican fundraiser in St. Paul, Minnesota, Trump laid down his challenge: both candidates should undergo a drug test before debates, scheduled for June 27 and September 10.
Trump confidently addressed his legion of supporters, emphasizing his eagerness to cut through the political facade and expose the truth. “I’m ready to debate this guy,” Trump proclaimed, drawing enthusiastic applause. “And I’m going to demand a drug test, by the way. I am. No, I really am.”
The former President didn’t mince words, referring to Biden’s State of the Union performance as less than stellar. “I don’t want him coming in like the State of the Union. He was high as a kite,” Trump asserted. “Is that Joe up there? And by the end of the evening, he was exhausted, right? No, we’re going to demand a drug test.”
Criticism of Biden’s erratic behavior has been a recurring theme from Trump. Last month, during a candid interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump again suggested the necessity of drug tests, alluding to the infamous cocaine incident in the White House. “What happened with that white stuff they found in the White House, which happened to be cocaine? I think something’s going on there,” Trump remarked. “I watched the State of the Union, and he was all jacked up at the beginning. By the end, he was fading fast.”
Biden’s own taunting challenge for two debates was met with swift acceptance from Trump. In a shaky, heavily edited 14-second video, Biden, 81, attempted to provoke Trump. “Make my day, pal,” Biden blustered. “Let’s pick the dates, Donald. I hear you’re free on Wednesdays.”
Trump’s reaction was immediate and strong, affirming his readiness with a post on Truth Social: “I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September.” Ever the showman, Trump recommended, “I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds – That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. ‘Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!'”
Biden’s camp, uneasy and cautious, laid out a series of stipulations in their debate challenge, including banning live audiences and third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. From the outset, it appears they seek to limit exposure and control the narrative. CNN has announced it will host the first debate in Atlanta on June 27, acquiescing to Biden’s no-audience demand but leaving open the possibility for Kennedy to join the stage.
Trump’s bold stance and unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability set the tone for what promises to be a riveting series of debates. The American public eagerly awaits as the stage is set for a showdown that will determine the future direction of our great nation.
