Democratic darling Robert “Beto” O’Rourke says he won’t be debating Sen. Ted Cruz this Friday as the first date the incumbent Republican offered looms closer.

O’Rourke’s campaign proposed six debates between the two vying for the junior Senate seat that Cruz has held since 2012. O’Rourke also suggested two of the debates be in Spanish in a blatant attempt to embarrass Cruz, who he knows doesn’t speak fluent Spanish.

Despite being the initiator of the debate idea, O’Rourke has refused to debate Cruz even though Cruz has agreed to five debates — all in English — and even agreed to O’Rourke’s demand that one take place in his hometown of El Paso.

O’Rourke claimed Monday that Cruz was trying to dictate too much of the structure. However, Cruz agreed to the debates and to O’Rourke’s request for one on his home turf.

Continuing to refuse to debate Cruz — who is known for being one of Harvard University’s best debaters and named the debate award after him — unless conditions are perfect shows just how flimsy “Beto’s” challenge is. Wanting mostly town hall-style debates where he can pack the audience and attendees are more likely to be unruly makes O’Rourke come off looking weak when it comes to actually doing the debates he claims he wanted.