Donald Trump's top aide said Sunday the presumptive nominee is "not afraid" to take on Democratic presidential underdog Sen. Bernie Sanders in a debate – but that the real question is why front-runner Hillary Clinton is so wary of a one-on-one with her rival.
In an interview with ABC's "This Week," campaign aide Paul Manafort said Trump's point in initially challenging Sanders to a debate – an offer he's now withdrawn – is that the Democratic delegate system is "rigged."
"He's not afraid to face off with Bernie Sanders," Manafort said. "He's the Republican nominee now. The question should be why is Hillary afraid to debate Bernie Sanders."
"The point that Mr. Trump was trying to make was the Democratic system is rigged, it's been rigged from the beginning for Hillary Clinton," he added. "Now you've got California, the state where Clinton thought she was going to win, the race has gotten very close. Bernie Sanders wants to debate Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders should have that chance."
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