After the Biden campaign signaled its readiness to go head-to-head with Harris this week, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that the campaign would like to debate Harris.
“Obviously, we want to debate Vice President Harris because it’s important for the American people to see that contrast,” Vance said in an interview with Newsmax at the Republican National Convention.
“By the way, I think President Trump’s spin kick in the first debate is part of why the Democratic Party is in such a mess right now,” he added. “It’s really the contrast between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats are actively trying to victimize their candidate.”
CBS News has invited both sides to the vice presidential debate, and the Biden campaign has confirmed that Harris could take part in the debate on July 23 or August 13. However, Donald Trump’s campaign has said it would prefer the debate be hosted by Fox News, a move that has thrown cold water on the Biden campaign.
Biden’s campaign said Monday that he was open to debating Vance following reports that Harris had been selected as President Donald Trump’s running mate.
“I can say right now that the vice president is absolutely ready to take on him,” Biden campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo told reporters on Monday.
Still, the Democratic Party remains in limbo: After Biden’s disastrous June 27 debate defeat raised concerns about his age and mental health, some party members urged him to drop out of the race, raising questions about Harris’ fate and whether she could succeed him.
Biden has remained adamant and repeatedly said he has no plans to resign.
