Trump Declines Second Debate with Harris as Voting Begins
During a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced he will not participate in any further television debates ahead of the upcoming elections. He expressed that the election process is already underway, invalidating the need for additional debates. Trump declined an invitation from CNN for a second debate scheduled for October 23, which has been accepted by Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Trump pointed out that early voting has begun in states like Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota, while absentee ballots have been sent out in Wisconsin and North Carolina for voters wishing to vote by mail. He asserted that he had bested Harris in their previous debate held on September 10, a claim that has drawn skepticism from many commentators, including those within conservative circles.
"Kamala Harris is calling for a second debate because she is losing badly," Trump stated during his rally. In response, Harris's campaign committee argued that since Trump claims to have won the prior debate, he should engage in another one.
Jen O'Malley Dillon, chair of Harris’s committee, highlighted the unprecedented nature of having only one debate within a general election cycle. Trump’s hesitance to debate is notable, especially after his two previous debates: one in June against President Joe Biden, which attracted 51 million viewers, and another with Harris, which drew an impressive 67 million viewers.
CNN reported that the proposed second debate between Trump and Harris would follow a similar format to the one in June, a format that led to Biden’s earlier withdrawal from the race.
As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, the absence of multiple debates raises questions about the transparency and engagement of candidates with voters in this pivotal election.
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