Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday left his supporters still guessing who he will choose as his running mate despite mounting speculation about the veepstakes.
Speaking at a rally at his South Florida Doral golf resort near Miami, Trump only went so far as to praise Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), one of his VP finalists who was in attendance, as a “fantastic guy” and acknowledge the large amount of press present.
“I think they probably think I’m going to be announcing that Marco is going to be vice president because that’s a lot of press,” he said.
Trump’s other finalists include Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), who were not in attendance.
The presumptive GOP presidential nominee took a victory lap in the wake of last month’s debate, which left many Democrats questioning President Joe Biden’s political future and ability to defeat his predecessor over signs of advanced aging.
Trump said he was eager to go another round with Biden on the debate stage but this time without the moderators.
“Let’s do another debate this week so that sleepy Joe Biden can prove to everyone all over the world that he has what it takes to be president,” Trump told supporters. “But this time, it will be man to man, no moderators, no holds barred. Just name the place — anytime, anywhere.”
The second debate is already scheduled to be hosted by ABC on Sept. 10.
Trump also challenged Biden to an 18-hole golf charity match on Doral’s championship Blue Monster course. Trump offered to give the president 20 strokes and said should Biden win, he’ll donate $1 million to the charity of Biden’s choice.
“It will be among the most watched sporting events in history,” Trump said. “May be bigger than the Ryder Cup or even the Masters.”
#BREAKING: @realdonaldtrump challenges @joeBiden to another debate and a $1 million charity golf match during a rally in Doral, FL.https://t.co/1wzNM35aWI#trump #biden #election2024 #golf #charity #debate #florida #washington #usa pic.twitter.com/5HfbOlvTBk
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 10, 2024
The Biden campaign rejected the challenge.
“Joe Biden doesn’t have time for Donald Trump’s weird antics — he’s busy leading America and defending the free world,” Biden campaign spokesman James Singer said. “Donald Trump is a liar, a convict, and a fraud only out for himself — par for the course.”
The two candidates got into a spat at the debate over their handicaps and who is the better golfer.
The rally offered a debut of sorts for Trump’s youngest son, Barron, who attended. He received a standing ovation from the crowd upon being introduced by Trump.
“You’re pretty popular. He might be more popular than Don and Eric,” Trump said, referencing his two other sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. “Barron, it’s good to have you. Welcome to the scene, Barron.”
Full speech:
