Biden and Trump debating on age, mental fitness spirals into golf challenge

Amid the heated debates on immigration, abortion and inflation, President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump couldn’t help but bicker over golf.

After a question from moderator Dana Bash on their ages (Trump is 78 and Biden is 81), the two started challenging one another to a round of golf. They exchanged competitive jabs, bragged over handicaps and accused each other of acting like children.

With both of their microphones muted outside of their turn, it was a rare moment in the evening when the candidates the were talking over one another as Bash tried to get back to the question at hand. But Biden got in the last word:

“You are a child,” Biden said.

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Trump cited his golfing skills as evidence that he has the physical and cognitive abilities to carry out presidential duties, even if he would be 82 years old at the end of the next term.

“I just won two club championships, not even senior, two regular club championships. To do that, you have to be quite smart, and you have to be able to hit the ball along the way,” Trump said. “He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”

After commenting on Trump’s height and weight, Biden responded: “I’d be happy to have a driving contest with him,” adding that he got his handicap down to a six as vice president.

“By the way, I told you before I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag,” Biden said to Trump. “Think you can do it?”

Trump accused Biden of lying about his handicap, adding “I’ve seen your swing, I know your swing.”

Amid a flurry of voices, Trump says “let’s not act like children.”

“You are a child,” Biden responds.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Biden trade golf handicap barbs as presidential debate devolves