'Not possible this time': Internet skeptical as Bill Maher predicts Biden will debate Donald Trump and it's 'gonna be bad' for him

While Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed eagerness for a rematch with Joe Biden, the president has yet to formally commit to any debates
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2024
Bill Maher's recent prediction on 'Real Time' sparked an intense debate online as he claimed  a debate with former President Trump could harm Joe Biden's image (Getty Images, Real Time with Bill Maher)
Bill Maher's recent prediction on 'Real Time' sparked an intense debate online as he claimed a debate with former President Trump could harm Joe Biden's image (Getty Images, Real Time with Bill Maher)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As the political landscape continues to simmer with speculation and anticipation, a recent prediction by Bill Maher on his show 'Real Time' has ignited a fervent debate across the Internet.

Maher boldly prophesied that President Joe Biden will square off against his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, in a debate, but cautioned that it could spell trouble for the current commander-in-chief.

Maher and guests discuss potential Biden-Trump faceoff

According to Fox News, during a lively discussion on the 'Overtime' segment of his show, Maher posed a thought-provoking question to his guests: will Biden agree to a debate with Trump, and should he? The ensuing conversation delved into the potential pitfalls awaiting Biden if he were to engage in such a high-stakes verbal duel.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate against former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the first of three planned debates between the two candidates in the lead up to the election on November 3.
Donald Trump speaks during the first 2020 presidential debate against Joe Biden at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio (Getty Images)

Expressing his apprehensions, Maher remarked, "I think it's gonna be bad on Biden if he goes into the debate." He drew attention to the curious perception disparity between the two septuagenarians, noting that despite their similar ages, Trump exudes a vitality that belies his years, while Biden sometimes appears vulnerable to criticism regarding his age and vigor.

Echoing Maher's sentiments, British TV personality Piers Morgan emphasized Trump's formidable prowess in live debates and highlighted Biden's relatively sparse interactions with the press. "Trump would destroy him in a live debate. He would destroy Biden in a live debate," Morgan asserted. "How many live press conferences has Joe Biden done? I mean, there's a reason they don't put him in front of a large gathering of the media for a sustained period of time taking questions. There's a reason."

The consensus among the panelists seemed to be that Trump, with his unorthodox debating style and penchant for dominating the stage, would hold a considerable advantage over Biden in such a forum. "Yeah, that's true," Maher concurred, acknowledging the validity of Morgan's observations.



 

William Shatner's take on debates

Veteran actor and television icon William Shatner, affectionately dubbed the "old wise one" by Maher, injected a dose of pragmatism into the discussion by pointing out that Biden's past debate performances haven't necessarily involved directly answering questions. "They're not really debates. Ever," Maher chimed in. "We really haven't had debates. They're both on the stage, they ask a question, they say whatever they want, they talk over each other-"

"Or in [Trump's] case, talk behind each other," Shatner quipped, alluding to Trump's 2016 town hall debate with Hillary Clinton. "Right, Trump does that," Maher conceded before telling Shatner, "We got to go on the road together."

While Trump has repeatedly expressed eagerness for a rematch with Biden, the president has yet to formally commit to any debates. In light of this uncertainty, several news organizations, including Fox News, issued a joint statement urging both candidates to publicly pledge their participation in debates. "If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high," the organizations wrote. "Amidst that backdrop, there is simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation."

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29:  Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participates in the first
Joe Biden participates in a presidential debate in 2020 (Getty Images)

Maher's prediction comes amidst ongoing deliberations within political circles about the optimal strategy for Biden's public appearances. Some argue for a more cautious approach, reminiscent of his "basement" strategy during the 2020 campaign, while others advocate for increased visibility and engagement with the electorate.

Maher himself previously advocated for a more subdued approach, suggesting that Biden could afford to limit his public appearances and focus on delivering occasional impactful speeches. "We said, 'Yeah, well he can't do what he did last time, because there was a pandemic, stay in his basement.' Yes, he can," Maher said. "No one gives a s--- about that. The chattering classes will talk about it. And the public will be like, what do I care?! I don't want to watch this all the time anyway! I don't need to see him every day. He doesn't need to go around the country. Stay where you are. Every once in a while, make a speech like this."

Bill Maher's prediction leaves Internet abuzz

X users have responded with a mix of skepticism and humor to Bill Maher's prediction of a potential debate between President Biden and former President Trump.

One user wrote, "I don’t think it will happen, but I hope he’s right."



 

Another added, "That’s not possible this time."



 

One commented, "Good luck to them."



 

Someone else replied, "Will Trump be able to stay awake?"



 

One user said,"Trump might end with an elder abuse charge if they debate."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

MORE STORIES

Karoline Leavitt pushed back after Obama claimed the Trump administration used 'government coercion' against reporters and commentators it disliked
17 minutes ago
Joshua Runkles, 42, allegedly carrying a gun, a knife, and expired law enforcement credentials, was detained inside State Farm Stadium
1 hour ago
Kat Abughazaleh, an influencer running for Illinois’ ninth district, was thrown to the ground during a protest outside an ICE facility near Chicago
18 hours ago
JD Vance admitted he once watched Jimmy Kimmel’s show nearly every night and called him genuinely talented
21 hours ago
The fiery back-and-forth erupted after David Letterman accused Trump of running an 'authoritarian' administration
21 hours ago
Mike Johnson described the resolution as honoring Charlie Kirk’s patriotism and free speech, while criticizing Democrats for opposing it
21 hours ago
In her new memoir, Kamala Harris wrote that Joe Biden had been upset, accusing her of speaking poorly about him to donors
22 hours ago
The House passed a resolution by 310-58 votes, but Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said it honored Kirk’s rhetoric that harmed millions
23 hours ago
Ted Cruz said Brendan Carr’s warning to ABC and Jimmy Kimmel over recent on-air comments crossed a line that could set a risky precedent
1 day ago
The vote revealed sharp divisions among Democrats, with 95 supporting the resolution, 58 voting against it, 22 did not voting, and 38 voting 'present'
1 day ago