‘Too Far Down The Line’: Trump Again Rebuffs Kamala’s Push For Another Debate

 Late on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump once again shot down a second debate against Vice President Kamala Harris in the final weeks of the 2024 presidential election cycle.

After the conclusion of the vice presidential debate between Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ team released a statement that made another call for a second face-off against Trump before the November contest.

“Vice President Harris believes that the American people deserve to see her and Trump on the debate stage one more time. She will be in Atlanta on October 23 – Donald Trump should step up and face the voters,” said Harris campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon.

On Truth Social, Trump responded, “Lyin’ Kamala just put out a request for another Debate because they lost so badly tonight – Again, it’s like the fighter who lost, gets up and says, ‘I WANT A REMATCH.'”

Trump went on to say he “beat” former President Joe Biden and “then beat” Harris. He added: “I’m not looking to do it again, too far down the line. Votes are already cast – And I’m leading BIG in the Polls. I’ll MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, she’s incapable of it!”

 

Back in June, CNN held the first 2024 general election presidential debate. Trump faced off against Biden, whose fumbling performance sparked a crisis of confidence among his allies. Biden then stepped aside under pressure.

When Harris became the Democratic Party’s nominee in early August, Trump floated three debates against her: a Fox News debate on September 4, an ABC News debate on September 10, and an NBC News debate on September 25.

Harris accepted the ABC debate, but her team refused to commit to a second one until after the first ended. When it did, Harris’ team called for a second match in October. But, within a few days, Trump declared that he would not do another debate. Harris accepted an invitation for a CNN debate on October 23 in Atlanta anyway.

The suggested Fox News date was ultimately used for a town hall with Trump and the NBC debate never happened. Harris’ team also rejected a dare by Vance to have Walz do a second VP debate hosted by CNN after the one held by CBS on Tuesday.

Polls show that Harris performed better in the ABC debate despite the moderators facing backlash from the Right for how they dealt with Trump. Early surveys indicate Vance edged out Walz on Tuesday. The overall race looks close.