Big surprise, Donald Trump chickens on out debating Bernie Sanders

Sanders: “I hope that he changes his mind – again.”

Donald Trump has done what many predicted and chickened out of a debate with Bernie Sanders.

He put out this statement Friday:

“Based on the fact that the Democratic nominating process is totally rigged and Crooked Hillary Clinton and Deborah Wasserman Schultz will not allow Bernie Sanders to win, and now that I am the presumptive Republican nominee, it seems inappropriate that I would debate the second place finisher.

“Likewise, the networks want to make a killing on these events and are not proving to be too generous to charitable causes, in this case, women’s health issues. Therefore, as much as I want to debate Bernie Sanders – and it would be an easy payday – I will wait to debate the first-place finisher in the Democratic Party, probably Crooked Hillary Clinton, or whoever it may be.”

This is how Sanders reacted:

Sanders reacts to Trump’s decision to bow out of debate: “What are you afraid of?” https://t.co/2tZ7nsAyD6

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 27, 2016

“I hope that he changes his mind – again,” Sanders said. “Mr. Trump is known to change his mind many times in a day. And Trump goes around – he’s a bully, he’s a big tough guy!

“Well, Mr. Trump, what are you afraid of?”

Sanders’ campaign manager, Jeff Weaver sort of predicted Trump changing his mind: We hope he will not chicken out.”

Clinton did, as well: “This doesn’t sound like a serious discussion. …” Clinton said. “I think that it’s, you know, not going to happen.”

Trump had just one demand when he agreed to debate – that $10-15 million be donated to women’s charities.

Minutes before Trump backed out, Sanders campaign manager released this statement:

“Our campaign and the Trump campaign have received two offers by broadcast television networks to host the Sanders-Trump debate that we suggested. Both offers include a major contribution to charity,” Weaver said. “We are prepared to accept one of those offers and look forward to working with the Trump campaign to develop a time, place and format that is mutually agreeable. Given that the California primary is on June 7, it is imperative that this all comes together as soon as possible. We look forward to a substantive debate that will contrast the very different visions that Sen. Sanders and Mr. Trump have for the future of our country.”