(Cupventi.com) – Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign announced on Saturday that it would accept an invitation for a second debate with former President Donald Trump, scheduled for October 23 and hosted by CNN. Harris’ campaign chair, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of the debate, asserting that “the American people deserve another opportunity to see Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate before they cast their ballots.”
She further pointed out that Trump should have no issues agreeing to the event, referencing his previous praise for CNN’s format during a June debate when he claimed victory.
This statement followed Harris’ comments at a Georgia campaign event, where she mentioned her efforts to secure another debate, stating, “I’m trying to get another debate. We’ll see.” CNN has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
However, Trump’s campaign quickly dismissed the notion of another debate. In response, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung referred to a Truth Social post from the former president, where Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” Trump had already voiced his reluctance to debate again earlier this month, telling Telemundo Arizona that a third debate was unnecessary. He reiterated this stance at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, stating that it was too late for another debate as voting had already started in many states.
O’Malley Dillon’s push for a second face-off comes after the first debate between Trump and Harris on September 10, hosted by ABC. This was the first debate between the two leading presidential candidates, though Trump also participated in a CNN-hosted debate in June when President Joe Biden was still in the race.
If the October 23 debate proceeds, it will take place just two weeks before Election Day and during early voting periods in several states, offering a final chance for the candidates to present their cases on a national stage.