Buttigieg Says Trump Scared Of Kamala

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, along with other prominent Democrats, is pushing former President Trump to engage in a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Buttigieg’s remarks suggest that Trump may be hesitant to face Harris, implying that he is “afraid” of the confrontation.

Trump’s campaign has indicated that the 78-year-old former president is currently unwilling to commit to any debate engagements due to the shifting dynamics of the campaign. President Biden, at 81, recently withdrew from his reelection bid and swiftly endorsed Harris, who is 59, as his successor on the Democratic ticket.

During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Buttigieg criticized Trump for not following through on his earlier commitment to debate Biden, which was scheduled for September 10. Buttigieg remarked, “Trump’s rhetoric has always been bold, but now it seems he’s showing an unusual degree of hesitation.” He added that Trump’s withdrawal from the debate he previously agreed to demonstrates weakness and fear.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is also rumored to be a potential pick for Harris’s vice presidential slot, echoed Buttigieg’s sentiment on social media. Shapiro asserted that Trump’s reluctance to debate Harris reflects his inability to escape his record and suggested that Pennsylvania voters remain steadfast in their opposition to him.

Kamala Harris also took to social media, questioning Trump’s earlier commitment to debating “anytime, anyplace” and highlighting his current reluctance.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Chung, responded by arguing that it is premature to finalize debate details due to ongoing uncertainties within the Democratic Party. “With the current turmoil surrounding President Biden and the Democratic Party, it is premature to make arrangements for debates with Harris, as the party may still make changes,” Chung said.

Harris, who has quickly gained substantial support from delegates, is set to be formally nominated through a virtual roll call in early August. She has until August 7 to select her running mate, and her team is actively vetting candidates.

Chung’s statement came just before former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed Harris. Previously, Trump had avoided all GOP primary debates during the last election cycle when he was the clear frontrunner, citing his dominant position in the polls as justification for not engaging with his opponents.

In response to Trump’s avoidance of primary debates, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized him publicly, suggesting that Trump’s evasiveness made him appear weak. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also expressed frustration, asserting that Trump had a responsibility to defend his record. Despite this pressure, Trump’s campaign strategy focused on maintaining his lead and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.

Current polling data indicates that Trump holds a narrow advantage over Harris as her campaign is just beginning to gain momentum.