Trump Rejects Call for Another Debate with Harris

Former President Donald Trump has ruled out participating in another debate with Kamala Harris before the upcoming election in November.

On Thursday, two days after their first face-off in Philadelphia, Trump said that Harris only wanted a second debate because he had “clearly” won the first round.

Several polls, however, showed that many voters believed Harris performed better in the first debate.

Trump suggested that Harris focus on her current role as vice president rather than pursue another debate.

Meanwhile, Harris, speaking at a North Carolina campaign rally, urged for a rematch, stating that voters “deserve” another debate because of the high stakes in the election.

Polling suggests a tight race between Trump and Harris as the election approaches. Both declared victory after the first 90-minute debate on ABC News, where Harris put Trump on the defensive with personal criticisms, including remarks on his rally crowd sizes and his behaviour during the January 6 Capitol riot.

EDITOR’S PICK:

• Debate: Trump Allies Mock His Performance, Say His Worst Behaviour On Display Against Harris
• US Election Debate: ‘You Copied Biden’s Plan’ – Trump Slams Kamala Harris
• US Debate: ‘Peter Obi Is Nigeria’s Donald Trump’ – Presidency

Trump and his supporters accused the ABC debate moderators of bias, with Trump asserting that he doesn’t need a second debate. “When a prizefighter loses, they always want a rematch,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

He claimed he won the first debate and saw no need for another.

During a rally in Arizona, Trump reiterated his stance in an interview with Telemundo, saying, “We’ve already discussed everything. A second debate isn’t necessary.”

In contrast, Harris’s campaign continued to call for another debate, arguing that voters should see the clear choice between Harris and Trump.

Some Trump allies, including Congressman Matt Gaetz, suggested Trump might welcome another debate, but Trump remained firm.

Despite this, his stance appeared to contradict earlier comments from his campaign adviser, Jason Miller, who had stated Trump planned to participate in three debates.

Discussions about a potential debate on NBC later this month had been ongoing, but the network has not commented on Trump’s decision.

Click here to watch our video of the week