In May, Donald Trump and President Joe Biden agreed to two debates — one on June 27 with CNN and another on September 10 with ABC News. However, after Biden’s weak performance in June led to his withdrawal from the presidential race, Kamala Harris became the Democratic frontrunner. But recently, Trump’s campaign has cast doubt on his participation in the September debate with Harris. Now, many are speculating about whether Donald Trump is backing out.
Here is everything to know about whether Donald Trump is backing out of the debate with Kamala Harris.
Did Donald Trump back out of the debate in September?
Donald Trump has not seemingly backed out or confirmed his participation in the September debate but his spokesman has stated that until the Democrats officially decide their nominee, the details can’t be finalized.
On Thursday, Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, explained that the details of the general election debates cannot be finalized until the Democratic Party officially decides on their nominee.
Cheung pointed out the ongoing political uncertainty within the Democratic Party. The statement suggested that some Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, doubt Harris’s ability to defeat Trump and might still be considering other candidates. As a result, Cheung argued it would be premature to schedule a debate with Harris at this time. The statement was released shortly after Harris reiterated her intention to participate in the ABC News debate.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Trump expressed his willingness to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, stating he would “absolutely” do so and even participate in multiple debates if she is officially nominated. However, Trump criticized the idea of ABC hosting the debate, a network he and President Biden had previously agreed upon for a September debate.
Will Kamala Harris debate Donald Trump?
Vice President Kamala Harris has mentioned she’s “ready” to debate Donald Trump on September 10.
Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for retracting his commitment to the September 10 presidential debate. Harris told reporters, “I’m ready to debate Donald Trump. I have agreed to the previously agreed upon September 10 debate. He agreed to that previously. Now it appears he’s backpedaling. But I’m ready. And I think the voters deserve to see the split-screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. And so I’m ready. Let’s go.” (via CBS News)
After Donald Trump’s campaign released its statement, Harris posted on X, “What happened to ‘any time, any place?’” This was in reference to Trump’s earlier claim that he would debate Joe Biden at any time and location.
