Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation to debate former President Donald Trump on October 23, showing she’s eager for another chance to engage with her political rival.
The Harris campaign believes that voters deserve another opportunity to see both candidates side-by-side on key issues just weeks before Election Day.
However, Trump has refused to participate, calling it too late since early voting has already begun in several states like Minnesota and South Dakota.
At a rally in North Carolina, Trump stated, “Voting has started, and it’s too late for a second debate,” implying that his current campaign momentum doesn’t necessitate another public confrontation.
The First Showdown and What’s at Stake
The two have already faced off once, in a debate hosted by ABC on September 10, where Harris was largely seen as the winner in post-debate polls. Harris’ team quickly followed up by challenging Trump to a second debate.
Trump, on the other hand, initially hinted that he might consider it but later took to Truth Social, stating there would be no further debates.
The proposed debate format for October 23 mirrors that of the June showdown between Trump and President Joe Biden, where Biden’s weak performance ultimately led him to drop out and endorse Harris.
Harris’ campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, commented, “Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing, considering he previously praised the moderators and format of the first debate”.
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Will There Be Another Face-Off?
Despite Harris’ continued push, Trump remains firm in his stance, labeling a second debate as unnecessary due to early voting and his belief that voters have seen enough.
His running mate, JD Vance, will participate in a debate on October 1 against Harris’ VP pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but the main-stage presidential face-off seems unlikely at this point.
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