Former President Donald Trump has announced he will not participate in a second television debate ahead of the November presidential election. While Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, accepted an invitation to a CNN debate scheduled for October 23, Trump dismissed the idea during a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, stating it was “too late” since voting has already begun.
Harris’s campaign responded to Trump’s decision by highlighting that he had previously claimed victory in their first debate in Philadelphia earlier this month, urging him to accept the invitation for a rematch. Snap polls following that debate indicated that many viewers believed Harris performed better than Trump.
Speaking at the rally, Trump reiterated his stance, asserting, “Voting has already started,” and accused Harris of wanting another debate because she is “losing badly.” Harris-Walz campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized that American voters “deserve another opportunity” to see both candidates face off before the election, arguing that it would be unprecedented for only one general election debate to occur.
On social media, Harris expressed her eagerness for the debate, stating she “gladly” accepted the invitation and hoped Trump would join. CNN indicated that the upcoming debate would mirror the format of a previous one it hosted between Trump and President Joe Biden. Following Biden’s faltering performance in that debate, some Democrats questioned his candidacy, leading to his announcement that he would not seek re-election, paving the way for Harris to become the nominee.
During the rally, some attendees voiced their desire for another debate, with Trump supporter Steve Castellano suggesting the event be held on a network of Trump’s choice, ideally moderated by a well-known podcaster like Joe Rogan.
In the lead-up to the election, national polling averages show Harris with a slight lead over Trump, with North Carolina emerging as a critical state for his campaign. Following Trump’s endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, who faced controversy over past comments made on an adult forum, Robinson did not attend the rally, and Trump chose not to address the issue during his speech.
The previous debate saw both candidates exchanging sharp criticisms, with Trump labeling Harris a “radical left liberal” and a Marxist, while Harris mocked the size of Trump’s rally crowds and quoted his Republican critics. CBS has also invited both candidates to an October debate in Arizona, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.
