Critics say Buttigieg accidentally criticized Biden while attacking Trump.

During a recent exchange on social media, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg drew criticism from conservatives after he made a remark about former President Trump’s decision not to debate Vice President Harris in September. Buttigieg accused Trump of showing “weakness” for pulling out of the debate agreement, sparking a heated debate among political commentators and pundits.

Conservatives quickly pointed out that Biden himself had also backed out of debates in the past, raising questions about Buttigieg’s remarks. Commentators like CNN’s Scott Jennings and pollster Frank Luntz highlighted Biden’s own debate history, where he agreed to multiple debates but ultimately withdrew from the race after the first one.

Even the Federalist’s Mollie Hemingway chimed in, questioning Buttigieg’s criticism and mentioning Biden as another example of a candidate who had backed out of debates. The debate over debate etiquette continued online, with National Review’s Charles C. Cooke accusing Buttigieg of taking a brazen approach knowing that media bias was in his favor.

As the discussion unfolded, former President Trump expressed willingness to debate Vice President Harris multiple times in the upcoming presidential election. Trump clarified that he had only agreed to a debate with Joe Biden in the past and had not committed to any debates with Harris yet. The Trump campaign emphasized that they would not confirm any debates until the Democrats finalize their nominee, citing potential changes in the political landscape.

Vice President Harris responded to the Trump campaign’s stance as “backpedaling,” indicating a desire for a debate with Trump sooner rather than later. The back-and-forth between the two camps underscores the high stakes and intense competition leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

Overall, the debate over debates continues to be a heated topic in the political arena, with both sides eager to showcase their strengths and outmaneuver their opponents. As the election draws closer, the anticipation for potential debates between Trump and Harris only intensifies, promising a riveting battle of words and ideas on the national stage.