Biden refuses to debate Trump before September showdown

President Biden made clear on Monday he won’t debate Donald Trump before their scheduled showdown in September – and insisted he’s back “on the horse” amid widespread scrutiny over his mental fitness.

When NBC News’ Lester Holt asked Biden if he would accept Trump’s offer to debate again in the next few weeks, the president said he wasn’t interested, even after his disastrous performance against the 45th president in last month’s debate.  

“I’m going to debate him when we agreed to debate and I’m going to debate him in September,” Biden told Holt.

The second — and final — presidential debate between Trump and Biden is set for Sept. 10.

“Is there a sense of wanting to get back on the horse?” Holt pressed Biden.

“I’m on the horse, where have you been,” Biden shot back. “I’ve done 22 major events, met thousands of people, overwhelming crowds, a lot’s happening. I’m on the horse.”  

Concern about Biden’s re-election chances continue to linger after he struggled mightily in his June 27 debate against Trump.

Biden’s performance sparked questions over whether he is still fit to lead the country. Over a dozen Democrats in Congress have even called on him to drop out, which he has said he won’t do.

“What I’m doing is going out and demonstrating to the American people that I have command of all my faculties, that I don’t need notes, I don’t need teleprompters, I can go out and answer any questions,” Biden said on NBC Monday.