Trump Says Primary Challengers Are Seeking Attention and he Won’t Commit to Debating Them

Over the weekend, former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford announced that he would seek the 2020 Republican nomination. He joined former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld and former Illinois congressman Joe Walsh. All 3 men are performing poorly in polls that pit them against President Trump.

This afternoon, the President was asked about the three opponents and how he would handle their challenges. Trump was largely dismissive of the men, said that they are running for attention and that he would not commit to debating any of them.

Trump ripped into Sanford, his latest opponent, this morning on Twitter. He wrote, “When the former Governor of the Great State of South Carolina Mark Sanford, was reported missing, only to then say he was away hiking on the Appalachian Trail, then was found in Argentina with his Flaming Dancer friend, it sounded like his political career was over but then he ran for Congress and won, only to lose his re-elect after I Tweeted my endorsement, on Election Day, for his opponent. But now take heart, he is back, and running for President of the United States. The Three Stooges, all badly failed candidates, will give it a go!”

…but then he ran for Congress and won, only to lose his re-elect after I Tweeted my endorsement, on Election Day, for his opponent. But now take heart, he is back, and running for President of the United States. The Three Stooges, all badly failed candidates, will give it a go!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2019

This afternoon, the President was asked if he’d be willing to debate Walsh, Sanford or Weld. “They’re all at less than 1 percent. I guess it’s a publicity stunt,” he said. “To be honest, I’m not looking to give them any credibility.”

During his announcement on Sunday, Sanford told Fox News’ Chris Wallace that his campaign would be about debt control.