After Killer Comments, Biden Challenged to Debate by Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted to President Joe Biden’s killer comments the other day by challenging him to a debate. In particular, the Russian president wants Biden to take part in a live, online conversation.

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Televised Debate 

“I’ve just thought of this now. I want to propose to President Biden to continue our discussion, but on the condition that we do it basically live, as it’s called. Without any delays and directly in an open, direct discussion. It seems to me that would be interesting for the people of Russia and for the people of the United States,” Putin told a Russian state television reporter. 

In particular, Putin wants to invite Biden to a live televised debate so they can clear the US President’s “killer” comments. This is Russia's latest reaction to earlier statements made by Biden during an interview with ABC News's George Stephanopoulos. During the interview, Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he thinks Putin is a killer. “Mmm-hmm, I do,” Biden replied. In addition, the President also said Putin would “pay a price” for meddling in American elections.

Russian Reaction to Killer Comments

Soon as the news broke out, Russia was furious. The press came out with a barrage of criticism for the US President. Also, it took the surprising step of recalling its ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Anatoly Antonov would leave Saturday. Said he will meet with the foreign ministry in Moscow to discuss ways to rectify Russia-U.S. ties that are in crisis. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Biden’s words confirmed one thing. The US under the Biden administration does not have any interest in improving relations with Russia. “I'll say only that these remarks by the U.S. president are very bad. He definitely doesn't want to normalize relations with our country. And we'll be acting based precisely on this premise,” Peskov said. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, said that, unlike Biden, they would like to prevent further degradation of Russia-US relations. “We are interested in not allowing the irreversible degradation of relations with the US If the American realize the risks connected with that,” she said. 

The Sooner the Debate, the Better

Putin proposed Biden accept the challenge at the soonest possible time. The Russian president said he didn’t want to delay, and proposed to start the discussion as early as Friday. “I don’t want to put this off for long. I want to go to the taiga this weekend to relax a little. So we could do it tomorrow or Monday. We are ready at any time convenient for the American side,” he said. 

Earlier, Putin shared his reaction to Biden’s uncalled-for remarks by providing a playground retort. “You know, I remember, in childhood, when we were arguing with each other in the courtyard, we would say, ‘I know you are, but what am I. And that’s no accident. It’s not just a childish saying. There is a very deep meaning in that,” Putin said. He suggested that Biden accuses him of the very same thing the US is guilty of. He referred to the killings of Native American people during colonization and the injustice faced by African Americans. In addition, Putin wished Biden well despite his crude remarks. “I would say to him: ‘Be well.' I wish him good health. I say that without any irony, without jokes,” he added. 

White House Backpedals, Says Biden is Busy That Day

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said it's unlikely Biden will accept the debate challenge. Specifically, Psaki noted that Biden already made plans on Friday, which includes a scheduled trip to Georgia. “I'll have to get back to you if that is something we're entertaining. I would say that the president already had a conversation with President Putin,” Psaki said. Also, she said that the President has other world leaders to talk with. “The president, of course, will be in Georgia tomorrow and quite busy,” she said.

Watch the ABC News Video reporting on Russian President Vladimir Putin firing back at US President Joe Biden over killer remarks:

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Should Biden engage in a debate with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his remarks the other day? What do you think of his comments anyway? Let us know what you think of Biden and Russia-US relations. Share your comments below!