Donald Trump declines debate with Bernie Sanders

Donald Trump officially ruled out a debate with Bernie Sanders Friday afternoon, saying in a statement that "it seems inappropriate that I would debate the second place finisher."

The idea was hatched when Trump, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday night, said a debate between him and the Vermont senator would generate "such high ratings" and that if proceeds went to charity, he "would love to do that."

Sanders quickly embraced the proposal, tweeting late that night, "Game on."

On Thursday, Trump reiterated his interest in the idea, telling reporters in Bismark, N.D., that he'd "love to debate Bernie, but they have to pay a lot of money for it."

“If we can raise for maybe women’s health issues or something, if we can raise $10 or $15 million for charity," Trump said.

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But Friday's statement from Trump ended what always seemed like a long-shot proposal, if it was ever serious at all.

"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."

Given that Clinton has also passed on another debate with Sanders before California's June 7 primary, it looks like political junkies will have to wait until Sept. 26 — the first scheduled general election face off — for the next presidential debate.

Sanders' campaign expressed their disappointment in a statement Friday afternoon.

“In recent days, Donald Trump has said he wants to debate, he doesn’t want to debate, he wants to debate and, now, he doesn’t want to debate," Sanders said in the statement. “Given that there are several television networks prepared to carry this debate and donate funds to charity, I hope that he changes his mind once again and comes on board."