Trump Declines Second Debate Invitation with Harris

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would not participate in a second debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision came in response to an invitation extended by Fox News, which proposed a debate on either October 24 or October 27. Trump and Harris previously faced each other on September 10.

Trump, the Republican contender for the upcoming November 5 election, had earlier declined a debate invitation from CNN for October 23, which Harris had accepted. Recent polls indicate a closely contested race between the two candidates. In a statement, Fox News emphasized that a second debate “would present an opportunity for each candidate to make their closing arguments.”

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Harris’ running mate, recently debated Trump’s running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance. Trump expressed his refusal to engage in another debate through a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, “THERE WILL BE NO REMATCH, SO THERE IS NOTHING TO DEBATE.” He further argued that the election process was too advanced for a new debate.

In the previous debate held on September 10, Harris actively challenged Trump on his record in office, his stance on abortion restrictions, and his legal issues. Trump had earlier debated then-Democratic presidential candidate and former President Joe Biden in June. Following Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, Harris’s entry tightened the competition, with some polls indicating a slight lead for her.