THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! Harris accepts Oct 23 challenge while Trump refuses to participate

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted CNN’s invitation for a second debate with her Republican rival, Donald Trump, scheduled for October 23. The debate comes just two weeks before the presidential election set for November 5. This invitation follows their first debate on September 10, where polls indicated Harris had the upper hand.

Harris campaign confirms participation, urges Trump to join

In a statement, Harris' campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, said, "Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump, and she has accepted CNN's invitation. Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate." Harris also took to X, formerly Twitter, and posted, "I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me."

While CNN has offered a similar format to their earlier debate, which includes 90 minutes of moderator questions without a live audience, Trump remains hesitant. Speaking at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, Trump stated, "The problem with another debate is that it’s just too late. Voting has already started."

I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23.

I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me. https://t.co/Trb8HUBsDh

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 21, 2024

Mixed messages from Trump’s camp

Despite his earlier refusal, Trump has been inconsistent about a second debate. On Truth Social, he declared, "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" but later suggested he might reconsider depending on his mood. "I did great in the debates, and I think they’ve answered everything. But maybe if I got in the right mood, I don’t know," he said.

In response to Trump’s refusal, Harris' campaign mocked him. David Plouffe, Harris’ campaign chairman, took to X and referred to Trump as ‘chicken,’ humorously stating, "At long last, we discover his spirit animal: the Chicken."

Race heats up as Harris leads fundraising efforts

The election race is intensifying, with both candidates vying for voter support. Harris has seen a surge in campaign funds, closing August with $235 million, outpacing Trump, who ended the month with $135 million. This comes after Trump’s debate with President Joe Biden in June, which caused some Democrats to question Biden’s role in the election. Biden withdrew from the race in July, leading to Harris’ nomination.