With Election Day less than two months away, Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation from CNN for a debate against former President Donald Trump on October 23. Harris, eager to engage in another public showdown, issued a challenge on social media, stating, "I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me." However, Trump has declined the offer, citing the timing of early voting and claiming it is now "too late" for another debate.
Speaking at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Saturday, Trump dismissed the need for a third debate, pointing to the fact that many Americans have already begun casting their ballots. "The problem with another debate is that it's just too late - voting has already started," Trump told his supporters. He also referenced his earlier debate engagements with Harris, saying, "She had her chance to do it with Fox," referring to an invitation from Fox News that was never accepted.
Trump initially agreed to three debates with Harris leading up to Election Day, with a planned debate on September 25. However, following their second debate on September 10, which led to a 5-point surge in Harris' poll numbers, Trump appeared to back out, declaring on his social media platform, Truth Social, "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" He cited his perceived victory in the previous debate and accused Harris of calling for a rematch out of desperation.
Yet, despite his earlier comments, Trump hinted last week that he might reconsider his position. Speaking to reporters during a stop in California, he suggested that his participation could depend on his mood at the time. "Maybe if I got in the right mood," Trump said, leaving the door slightly ajar for further debate participation. However, his campaign has since reiterated that there will be no additional debates, referring back to his Truth Social post.
Harris, on the other hand, has remained adamant about holding another debate, arguing that the American people deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates. Jen O'Malley Dillon, Harris' campaign chair, also weighed in, stating, "Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate." Harris has consistently pressed for more opportunities to face Trump on the debate stage, expressing her belief that further discussions are essential to informing voters.
The proposed October 23 debate, set to be held at CNN's studios in Atlanta, would mirror the structure of previous debates, featuring 90 minutes of moderated questions with no live studio audience. CNN has emphasized the importance of a second debate, especially as voters approach their final decisions. In a statement, the network said, "We believe the American people would benefit from a second debate between the two candidates for President of the United States."
The tension over additional debates follows a turbulent primary season, which saw Harris rise to prominence as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Biden's decision came after a lackluster performance in his debate with Trump in June, leading him to withdraw and endorse Harris as his successor. The June debate, also hosted by CNN, marked a significant turning point in the election, as Harris took over the Democratic ticket and gained momentum against Trump.
Despite Trump's refusal to debate in October, his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, is scheduled to face off against Harris' vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on October 1 in a debate hosted by CBS. This debate will offer another opportunity for voters to gauge the platforms of both parties, even as the top of the ticket remains locked in a standoff over further engagement.
Trump's decision to avoid a third debate has drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and campaign insiders. Some argue that Trump, having already faced Harris twice, may not see the value in a third round. Others speculate that his reluctance may stem from Harris' rising poll numbers following their September 10 debate, which boosted her standing among registered voters.
Harris' campaign continues to press for more public discussions, with aides insisting that Trump's refusal to debate indicates a fear of confronting the vice president's growing appeal. "He changes his position every day," a senior Harris adviser said in response to Trump's conflicting statements about another debate. "The voters deserve better than this."
