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House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed the top House Democrat's demand for a primetime debate on the government shutdown.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wrote to Johnson on Monday morning challenging him to a debate on the House floor "any day this week," to be broadcast live "to the American people."

Johnson suggested he would not entertain that, however, calling the move a "publicity stunt" to reporters that same morning.

DEMOCRATS REFUSE TO BUDGE OVER OBAMACARE FIGHT AS SHUTDOWN DRAGS ON

"When the poll says that about 13% of the people approve of your messaging, then you make desperate pleas for attention, and that's what Hakeem Jeffries has done," Johnson said.

"We debated all this on the House floor.

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