On Saturday, Kamala Harris issued a fresh challenge to Donald Trump for a second debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election. However, Trump declined the offer, saying it was “too late” for another face-off.
Earlier in the day, Harris’s campaign had announced her acceptance of an invitation from CNN to participate in a debate scheduled for October 23. This would have marked their second confrontation, following a debate on September 10 that was widely seen as a victory for Harris.
In a statement, Harris’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, emphasized the importance of another debate, saying, “The American people deserve another opportunity to see Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate before casting their ballots.”
Despite the invitation, Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in the key swing state of North Carolina, dismissed the idea. While acknowledging that he found debates to be “good entertainment value,” he pointed out that early voting had already begun in several states, making it impractical. “It’s just too late, voting has already started,” he said.
Trump went on to reflect on his experience in previous debates, stating that while CNN had been “very fair” during his June debate with President Joe Biden, he was skeptical they would maintain that fairness this time, citing criticism over how the first debate had been handled.
Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race following a poorly received debate performance against Trump. With Biden’s exit, Trump, at 78, is now the oldest presidential nominee, while Harris, at 59, represents a much younger opponent.
