Harris Accepts Only One Debate, Refuses To Commit To More Against Trump

 Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed on Thursday her participation in one debate before this year’s election, which is two fewer than what former President Donald Trump is proposing.

A campaign official said Harris would not agree to the September 4 presidential debate on Fox News that was floated by Trump, ABC News correspondent Selina Wang shared in a post to X.

Wang further reported, citing the same official, that Harris views future debates as being “contingent” on Trump showing up to the ABC News debate that has been set for September 10.

Earlier, Trump and his campaign revealed plans to participate in three debates next month, including the ABC and Fox events. They said the third one would be held by NBC News on September 25.

During a press conference, Trump said Harris “may or may not agree” to all the debates. He said Harris was “barely competent” and knocked his opponent for not doing interviews as a presidential candidate.

Harris later told NBC News that she was “looking forward” to the debate on September 10, and ABC News affirmed that both parties had agreed to attend the event.

 

NBC News and Fox News reported there have been communications with the campaigns about debates hosted by each network, but neither outlet appears to have made it official as of Thursday.

Trump faced President Joe Biden in a late June debate held by CNN. Biden’s fumbling performance resulted in a crisis of confidence among Democrats, leading to him dropping out of the race.

At the end of last week, after Harris clinched the nomination, Trump said he would be willing to debate Harris on Fox News while indicating he would no longer participate in the ABC debate.

Harris’ campaign claimed Trump was “running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to.” Although Trump did agree to an ABC debate, he did so when Biden was still running.

Trump also said that CBS would host the vice presidential debate between his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), and Harris’ pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. CBS has yet to confirm a date.