Vice President Kamala Harris has backed Donald Trump into a political corner that he'll have to fight his way out of in a debate, the former president's onetime communications director said Friday.
Erin Perrine urged her former boss to take on the likely Democratic presidential nominee as she took part in a CNN segment on his recent attempt to back out of a September debate and Harris' withering response: "What happened to 'any time, any place?'"
"Trump will debate and he has to debate," Perrine said. "Not debating would be a catastrophe."
Perrine, who worked for Trump's failed 2020 reelection campaign, was dismissive of Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung's comment that he's refusing to commit to a debate "because Democrats very well could still change their minds."
"It's a little bit of just hot air there," said Perrine.
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For his part, Cheung Friday exhibited more than a little hot air when a former Wall Street Journal editor noted his statement had resorted to birther language Trump used against former President Barack Obama in the 2010s.
"You idiots all fell for the trap," Cheung hit back. "Hussein was trending and was mentioned on cable news throughout the night. Thanks for doing our jobs cucking his announcement this morning, moron."
Perrine presented a more measured front on CNN, but also applauded Trump for attacking Harris as "ultra-liberal" ahead of a debate.
"What he's doing there is defining her early," said Perrine. "By saying she's ultra-worthy ... no matter what position she takes, they'll be able to say she flip-flopped."
Pete Seat, White House spokesperson during former President George W. Bush's administration, agreed Trump had to approach the podium and face off against Harris.
Seat argued both need to do all they can to reach independent voters in an increasingly narrow race.
"Why shouldn't he want to be on the debate stage with her?" said Seat. "I think they should do as many debates as they can."
