Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has accepted a debate invitation while facing questions over his relationship with a controversial imam.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has agreed to debate on CBS News on October 1, as he faces scrutiny over his relationship with Imam Mohamed Noor.
Walz, the current governor of Minnesota, posted on Twitter on Wednesday agreeing to the debate, which will be moderated by CBS News' Margaret Brennan.
Tim Walz Agrees to Debate, Faces Scrutiny for Relationship with Controversial Imam
The debate invitation from CBS News came after Walz was criticized for a resurfaced video in which he praised Noor, who has made antisemitic and homophobic remarks in the past.
In the video, Walz calls Noor a "courageous fighter" and says that he is "proud" to have him as a friend.
Tim Walz Agrees to Debate, Faces Scrutiny for Relationship with Controversial Imam
Noor is the founder and former director of the Islamic Community Center of Rochester, and he has been a vocal critic of Israel and Jewish organizations.
In 2016, Noor was criticized for a speech in which he claimed that Jews control the media and that they are responsible for the rise of the Islamic State.
He also said that he believes that homosexuality is a sin.
Walz has since defended his relationship with Noor, saying that he does not agree with his views but that he respects his right to freedom of speech.
However, some critics have argued that Walz should not be associating with someone who holds such hateful views.
The controversy over Noor has cast a shadow over Walz's campaign, and it remains to be seen how it will affect his chances of winning the vice presidency.
In the meantime, Walz has said that he is focused on debating his Republican opponent, Senator JD Vance, and discussing the issues that matter to American voters.
Vance has not yet responded to the debate invitation, but he has previously said that he is open to debating Walz.
The debate between Walz and Vance is scheduled to take place on October 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS News.
