After Saying ‘Challenge Accepted,’ Trump Backpedals on Debate With Harris: ‘Why Should I Do a Debate?’
Former President Trump is again backpedalling on the idea of debating Vice President Kamala Harris, despite initially declaring that he accepts the challenge. In a recent interview with Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo, Trump questioned the necessity of a debate with Harris, amid mounting pressure from her campaign for him to participate.
“I want to debate, but why should I do it?” Trump said, noting his lead in the polls and referencing the changes in the Democratic field following President Biden’s withdrawal. “She’s better than Biden, but I think ultimately she’ll be worse,” he added.
The former president’s stance on the debate has been inconsistent. Initially, Trump had committed to a debate with Harris, even declaring “challenge accepted” in a recent rally speech. “Kamala, let’s go. Challenge accepted. Are you ready?” Trump said during a campaign event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
However, Trump’s tone shifted as he expressed reluctance, citing his poll lead and his belief that both he and Harris are well-known figures.
“I mean right now I say, why should I do a debate?” he said. “I’m leading in the polls. And, everybody knows her, everybody knows me.”
His campaign has since wavered on the commitment to debate until Harris is officially the Democratic nominee.
The Trump and Biden campaigns had previously agreed on a debate scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC News. Yet, Trump has suggested he might push for changes in the debate’s host or format, expressing frustration with ABC News and hinting at a preference for Fox News as an alternative host.
In response, Harris, speaking at a rally in Atlanta, urged Trump to reconsider his stance.
“Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider meeting me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you got something to say, say it to my face,” she challenged directly into the camera.
Watch the clip below:
