Kamala Harris has called for a second debate right after her first face-off with President Trump, which took place on Tuesday. The debate was heavily criticized by conservatives for how the moderators fact-checked Trump but didn’t challenge Harris in the same way.
Jen O’Malley, Harris’ campaign chairwoman, said in a statement, “The American people got to see the choice they will face this fall: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump.” She added, “That’s what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?”
NEWS: Harris campaign is calling for a second debate pic.twitter.com/APYIk3EkWw
— Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) September 11, 2024
On Fox News, Trump responded to Harris’ call for another debate, claiming she wanted it “because she lost.” When Sean Hannity asked Trump if he’d agree to a second match, Trump said he might, “if it was on a fair network.”
Trump: "They immediately called for a second debate because they lost." pic.twitter.com/ft7CwTpvW4
— Defiant World (@DefiantWorld) September 11, 2024
So far, Harris’ campaign had been open to a second debate in October, but only if Trump first attended the one hosted by ABC News on Tuesday. Trump had previously suggested having three debates with Harris: the one hosted by ABC, another by Fox News on September 4, and a third by NBC News on September 25. However, the Fox News event turned into a town hall with Trump and Hannity.
During a press conference in August, Trump commented that Harris “may or may not agree” to all the debates he had offered and took a jab at her, calling her “barely competent” and criticizing her for not doing interviews as a presidential candidate.
The debate on Tuesday covered hot topics like abortion, the economy, and border security. However, David Muir and Linsey Davis, the moderators, have been under fire for fact-checking Trump but not applying the same scrutiny to Harris.
Trump also debated Joe Biden back in June during a CNN-hosted event. After Biden’s weak performance, he was pressured to step down from the race, leading to Harris taking over as the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Looking ahead, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance, Harris’ and Trump’s running mates, are scheduled to have their own debate on October 1, hosted by CBS News. Harris’ campaign, however, turned down Vance’s offer for a second vice-presidential debate hosted by CNN.
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