President Biden said Thursday he would be willing to challenge former President Donald Trump to a golf contest Thursday to prove which of them is more fit to win the White House.
The bizarre idea grew out of an exchange at the first debate of the 2024 general election when CNN, hosting the affair, asked both men about their advanced ages.
Mr. Biden, 81, acknowledged his age but said Mr. Trump isn’t far behind.
“This guy’s three years younger. He’s a lot less competent,” the president said.
Mr. Trump, who is 78, countered that he’s taken cognitive tests and “aced” them, and Mr. Biden has refused his entreaties to do the same. Mr. Trump also said he’s physically fit, and pointed to his golf prowess, saying he had “just won two club championships.”
He then attacked Mr. Biden’s game.
“He can’t hit a ball 50 yards,” Mr. Trump said.
That seemed to irk the president.
“I’d be happy to have a driving contest with him,” Mr. Biden said, adding, “I’m happy to play golf with you if you carry your own bag.”
He also said that as vice president he got his handicap down to 6.
“That’s the biggest lie of all,” Mr. Trump said. “I’ve seen your swing.”
The former president then ended the exchange by admonishing, “Let’s not act like children.”
“You are a child,” Mr. Biden retorted.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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