Former President Donald Trump has harshly criticized President Joe Biden since the latter took office on Jan. 20, 2021. 

He has called him “crooked Joe Biden,” “sleepy Joe,” and a list of other names meant to highlight the president’s flaws and incompetencies. He’s labeled Biden as the worst president in the country’s history. Yet, ahead of Thursday’s first presidential debate, Trump seems to be taking a more temperate approach, deeming Biden a “worthy” opponent and vowing not to “underestimate him” as a debater.

Trump made the comments during an interview last week on “The All-In” podcast.

“I assume he’s going to be somebody that will be a worthy debater,” Trump said about his expectations of Biden ahead of the debate. “I don’t want to underestimate him.”

Trump’s comments mirror the public statements of some of his current advisers. 

Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) is considered a close Trump ally in 2024. It is also speculated that he is under serious consideration for Trump’s running mate as vice president. During a recent appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Burgum warned not to take Biden lightly.

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“This guy has got the ability,” Burgum said. “We have seen him in the State of the Union this year, that, when he needs to, he can step up.”

The comments about Biden come after it was revealed Biden was disappearing from the public eye for a week to prepare for the presidential debate. According to reports, Biden took a vacation to Camp David to rehearse and prepare for Thursday’s debate. It was a move that had some people questioning whether Biden was well enough for office.

The debate will take place at CNN’s studios in Atlanta. It will start at 9 p.m. local time and last 90 minutes. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will be the moderators.