Ted Cruz has challenged Donald Trump to a one-on-one debate in Indiana before the state’s Republican primary next Tuesday.
“It’s been 48 days since the last Republican debate. I think the people of Indiana deserve a debate. Donald, I’ve got a great idea, let’s have a debate in Indiana,” Cruz told Fox News host Megyn Kelly late Thursday.
Cruz, who trails Trump’s delegate count by more than 400, invited Trump to a policy debate so that he would have an opportunity to address Trump’s comments about his record, specifically how he earned the nickname “Lyin’ Ted.”
It’s the third request the Texas senator has made to the New York businessman during the campaign season. While Trump has never accepted any of Cruz’s prior asks, the second-ranked candidate may be hoping the third time is the charm.
If successful, Cruz said he would also like to address Trump’s plan for bringing jobs back to America, an issue the real estate mogul has made a prominent part of his speeches at rallies.
Cruz first challenged Trump to debate in Des Moines, Iowa back in January. He tried again, unsuccessfully, in March when the front-runner said he would not attend a televised party debate in Salt Lake City.
