Third Trump Debate Actually Happening?

Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that he is not considering a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite claims from several major polls, including those from CNN, YouGov, and SoCal Strategies, which suggest that Harris performed better in their recent debate, Trump remains confident in his own performance and results.

Trump dismissed these polls, arguing in the spin room immediately after the debate that he had decisively won. According to Trump, only a candidate who has lost would seek a rematch so quickly. He has taken a strong stance against a second debate, insisting that Harris should focus on her past performance rather than pushing for another round of debate.

Despite Trump’s firm position, Harris’s campaign is not convinced that his decision is final. Brian Fallon, a spokesman for Harris, suggested to Politico that Trump might be rethinking his stance after what he perceived as a poor showing in the initial debate. Fallon emphasized that Harris believes a second debate is crucial for the voters, given the importance of the upcoming election.

The debate landscape has been marked by inconsistent messaging from both Trump and Harris regarding the format and scheduling of future debates. Trump had initially proposed a series of three debates, including one scheduled for later this month. However, he has since stated that he will not participate in any further debates.

Harris, on the other hand, remains steadfast in her commitment to debate Trump. She expressed at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that another debate is necessary for the voters to fully understand the differences between the candidates.

Trump had initially shown enthusiasm for debates, stating they are essential for a presidential race. Yet, after President Biden exited the race, Trump’s enthusiasm seemed to wane, and he expressed reservations about debating Harris, citing the need for clear agreements on debate terms.

Despite Trump’s reluctance, Harris’s campaign has remained firm. They are prepared for the debate scheduled for September 10, as previously agreed, and have criticized Trump for what they perceive as a flip-flop on debate commitments. Harris’s team has accused Trump of trying to avoid a fair debate and suggested that the debate rules, including the use of muted microphones, were designed to benefit him.

As both campaigns navigate these discussions, the debate between Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) is scheduled for October 1 on CBS News, highlighting the continued importance of debate in shaping the political landscape leading up to the election.