That's OK, We Don't Need No Stinkin' Presidential Debates

This just confuses me:

Donald Trump gave his first hint last night that he might try to get out of the Fall presidential debates. I have thought for months that he'd likely try to get out of them.

Regarding debates, there is an established kabuki whereby the stronger party tries to evade or limit debates and the weaker party tried to get more. Since Trump's polling numbers are down, he's the weaker party. I guess he wants to be seen as the stronger party no matter how weak he is. That's OK. Hillary can shrug her shoulders and watch football instead.