Joe Biden’s team laughs off ‘debate me’ Ron DeSantis campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign mocked Gov. Ron DeSantis for wanting to participate in political debates Tuesday.

Biden’s rapid response director, Ammar Moussa, responded to DeSantis spokeswoman Carly Atchison mocking former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for not yet committing to a CNN Iowa debate.

“The reason @TeamHaley doesn’t want Nikki to debate @RonDeSantis one-on-one in Iowa is because of the risk of her making comments like this,” Atchison said, referring to Haley’s demand for de-anonymizing social media users.

“It is so hilariously sad that the Ron DeSantis campaign is just: ‘DEBATE MEEEEEE,'” Biden’s campaign spokesman said.

The Biden team’s comments drew a response from DeSantis’ campaign, with Atchison saying Biden has “the lowest approval ratings in U.S. history.”

“You guys still making him use the small steps?” she said.

Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ rapid response director, fired back at Moussa, saying Biden’s team is promoting “debate-dodging.”

“They will do everything possible to keep Joe in his basement just like last time,” Pushaw said. “Republicans shouldn’t give them cover.”

DeSantis has also repeatedly called on former President Donald Trump to debate him and other GOP candidates.

“OK – if you’re gonna be a keyboard warrior, get out of there – get out of your dungeon, get off the keyboard, stand on the debate stage and let’s go,” he said this month.

DeSantis’ team told Florida’s Voice the governor has committed to both CNN’s Iowa debate and ABC’s New Hampshire debate next month.

Florida’s Voice asked the Haley campaign if she will also commit to the CNN debate in Iowa.

“Since the RNC pulled out of the debates, many new offers have come in,” a spokesperson for the campaign said. “We look forward to debating in Iowa and continuing to show voters why Nikki is the best candidate to retire Joe Biden and save our country. That debate should include Donald Trump.”

Tuesday evening, DeSantis will participate in an Iowa CNN town hall.

DeSantis’ campaign told Florida’s Voice that DeSantis defeated Haley in the last primary debate.

“After that loss, it is no wonder why Haley has failed to confirm she will join Ron DeSantis on the debate stage in Iowa and New Hampshire next month,” said Bryan Griffin, press secretary for the DeSantis campaign.

“Ron DeSantis has accepted every major debate and won each of them,” he said.