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Former President Donald Trump challenged President Joe Biden to a "no holds barred" second debate with fewer rules and no moderators in which he claimed his political rival could prove his "competence or lack thereof" in a post shared on his Truth Social account Thursday (July 4).
“I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred,” Trump wrote. “An all-on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country.”
Trump's post was shared exactly one week after the two participated in the first 2024 presidential debate, which was moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and gave each candidate a two-minute answer limit, followed by one minute of rebuttals and turned off their microphones when their time expired or when their opponent was speaking.
“Let Joe explain why he wants Open Borders, with millions of people, and many violent criminals from parts unknown, pouring into our once great Nation, or why he wants Men Playing in Women’s Sports,” Trump said while discussing his proposed format change. “Or demand ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES within five years, or why he allowed INFLATION TO RUN RAMPANT, destroying the people of our Country, and so much more."
“It would also, under great pressure, prove his ‘competence,’ or lack thereof,” Trump added, acknowledging calls for Biden's resignation following the poor debate performance.
Biden, 81, the oldest president in history, appeared opposite Trump, 78, on the debate stage for the first time since the 2020 election and did little to quell concerns about his vigor and energy. The president appeared to struggle with his voice, clearing his throat and coughing multiple times, and was often seen open-mouthed and staring when Trump spoke, occasionally struggling to finish sentences.
Biden's performance reportedly led to "panic" among Democrats, according to longtime Democratic operative and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod.
“He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on. But by that time, I think the panic had set in,” Axelrod said, adding that "there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”