Biden-Trump golf debate heats up election race

Last Updated: September, 12 2024

Biden-Trump golf debate heats up election race

WASHINGTON (AP) - The presidential race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump took an unexpected turn during their debate on Thursday night, as the two septuagenarians engaged in a heated exchange about their golf skills.

The debate was meant to focus on serious issues like the economy, foreign policy and immigration. But in responding to a question about his fitness for office at age 82, Trump decided to tout his prowess on the golf course.

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during a presidential debate hosted by CNN, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Trump said that he's actually a tremendous golfer. He was in “very good shape” and recently won two championships at his club in Florida. “To do that, you have to be quite smart and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way,”

This prompted Biden, who will be 86 at the end of a second term, to defend his own golf game. “I got my handicap, when I was vice president, down to six,” Biden claimed.

Trump was having none of it. "The biggest lie of all, I’ve seen your swing. I know your swing,” the former president shot back. "[You] can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”

The exchange grew more heated as Biden challenged Trump to a match, saying "I’m happy to play golf with you, if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?"

The colorful argument over an unusual topic like golf skills came as a surprise to many viewers. But it highlighted the competitive spirit and advanced ages of the two long-time politicians.

Polls conducted after the debate showed it may have helped Trump to appear more energetic, while raising new concerns about Biden's ability to keep up with the demands of the presidency at almost 86. The golf game dispute ensured this lightning round match stayed entertaining to the last hole.

“Let’s not act like children,” Trump said.

“You are a child,” Biden retorted.

References: https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-golf-debate-presidential-fitness-c012fe7cb106362acf810a99c35b7722

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Emily Park

With a background in digital media and a passion for golf culture, Emily scours the internet and PGA/LPGA tour circuits for the most entertaining, shocking, and bizarre stories about professional golfers. She is skilled at curating viral golf content, from Instagram antics to tournament controversies, and turning them into shareable, humorous articles. Her readers appreciate her ability to find the fun and humor in the world of elite golf.

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