Speaker Johnson Bobs and Weaves On C-SPAN Debate With Jeffries Says He Won't Show Up Until After Shutdown

"C-SPAN initially shared the news that Johnson and Jeffries would appear on Ceasefire, hosted by Politico White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns, posting a memo that quoted from recent media appearances by both party leaders agreeing to come on the show for a debate. C-SPAN stands ready to host this Johnson-Jeffries joint appearance, the memo stated. We look forward to providing a forum for a smart, civil, respectful exchange of ideas between both leaders. C-SPAN is currently working with both offices on scheduling."

"I'll debate Hakeem Jeffries anywhere, anytime as soon as we get the government open, replied Johnson. He's engaging in political theater and stating absurd things. What he just said is absurd, Johnson continued, claiming that Democrats were the ones who forced the government to shut down and were trying to give health care to illegal aliens. I am frustrated by this, he said. We have to serve the American people. It's Hakeem and the Democrats who are making that not happen."

C-SPAN announced both Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had publicly accepted an invitation to appear jointly on Ceasefire and posted a memo quoting recent media appearances agreeing to debate. C-SPAN said it stands ready to host the joint appearance, described the exchange as intended to be smart and civil, and said it is working with both offices on scheduling. Hours later, Johnson conditioned his participation on the government reopening, saying he will debate Jeffries only after the government is open and accusing Democrats of forcing the shutdown and pursuing health care for illegal immigrants. Fact-checkers have assessed Republican claims about Democratic proposals on immigrant health care as false.

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