Burgum Challenges CNN to Ask Tough Questions at Biden-Trump Debate

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum believes CNN can live up to its motto as "the most trusted name in news" by asking difficult questions during the upcoming Biden-Trump debate.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a potential vice presidential candidate for Donald Trump, has emphasized the importance of CNN asking tough questions at the upcoming presidential debate between Joe Biden and Trump. Appearing on CNN's "State of the Union With Jake Tapper and Dana Bash" Sunday, Burgum expressed his belief that the network has an opportunity to enhance its reputation by holding the candidates accountable.

Burgum specifically cited Biden's previous denial of the authenticity of Hunter Biden's laptop as an area where CNN could press for answers. He noted that subsequent events have contradicted Biden's initial claims, and that American voters deserve an explanation.

Burgum Challenges CNN to Ask Tough Questions at Biden-Trump Debate

"I think this is a real opportunity for CNN, 'most trusted name in news,' to ask some tough questions, including the one...because this is a rematch. We had this debate just before the election four years ago, Joe Biden looked into the camera and said that Hunter Biden's laptop was a smear campaign, Russian disinformation, called it garbage. And now we know that none of that is true," Burgum said.

He added, "And I think there's an opportunity that America is waiting, I mean, CNN has got an opportunity to ask tough questions of both these candidates."

Burgum Challenges CNN to Ask Tough Questions at Biden-Trump Debate

Burgum also commented on the Biden team's reported efforts to lower expectations ahead of the debate, suggesting that it was a strategic move to minimize Biden's potential for making mistakes. In contrast, he believes Trump will be well-prepared and will present a strong challenge.

"The guy's run for office more than a dozen times, he's run for president four times, he's been campaigning since President Nixon was in office," Burgum said. "This guy has got the ability. We've seen it. We've seen him in debates four years ago. We've seen him in the State of the Union this year, that when he needs to, he can step up."

Burgum Challenges CNN to Ask Tough Questions at Biden-Trump Debate

Burgum has been mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump in the 2024 election. While he has acknowledged discussions with Trump, Burgum has remained noncommittal about his chances of being selected.

"I think we have to just look at the fact that President Trump can win this race regardless of who is vice president. He's got the luxury of not having to pick someone," Burgum answered when asked about his own prospects.

Burgum Challenges CNN to Ask Tough Questions at Biden-Trump Debate

"I think that's up to President Trump. President Trump understands the criteria that he wants. He's going to make that choice at the time he makes it. He's got a lot of great choices and I think everybody, everything, the whole country, maybe knows my background, which is both success in business and success in the executive branch as governor. But that's his choice on what the criteria that he wants."

Burgum's comments underscore the importance of rigorous questioning in political debates, and his challenge to CNN highlights the network's responsibility to fulfill its role as a trusted source of information for the public.