On Wednesday, October 9, former President Donald Trump proclaimed that he would not partake in a second presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision comes amidst the invitations extended by major networks and the Harris campaign’s requests for a repeat debate. The announcement arrives as an intense electoral competition unfolds between the two candidates prior to the November 5 election.
The first debate between Trump and Harris occurred on September 10, attracting over 67 million viewers. The debate spotlighted stark contrasts on key topics, including the economy, immigration policy, and abortion rights.
Subsequent to the initial debate, Harris has been advocating for a second face-off. She accepted an invitation from CNN for a debate scheduled on October 23 in Atlanta, Georgia. Fox News also proposed debates for October 24 or 27.
Nevertheless, Trump dismissed these proposals. “There will be no rematch,” he declared on his social media outlet, Truth Social. “So there is nothing to debate.” He contended that the timing for another debate is inappropriate given that early voting has already begun in several states.
The Harris campaign expressed criticism of Trump’s refusal, insinuating that he is avoiding a direct confrontation with the electorate. “Vice President Harris will be in Atlanta on October 23,” her campaign communicated. “We hope former President Trump will join her to give the American people the opportunity to hear from both candidates.”
Current polls suggest a neck-and-neck race between the two contenders. An NBC News poll demonstrates a tie between Trump and Harris, each receiving 48% support from registered voters. The poll uncovers significant gender disparities, with women favoring Harris by 14 points and men backing Trump by 16 points.
In the battleground states, the contest is particularly intense. The BBC notes that while Harris has the upper hand in some crucial states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, the advantage is narrow, leaving the Electoral College outcome unpredictable. Voter turnout and last-minute changes in voter sentiment are anticipated to be deciding factors.
Both campaigns are highlighting critical issues to influence undecided voters. The economy remains a primary concern, with Harris condemning Trump’s policies for favoring the affluent and vowing to strengthen the middle class. Trump counters these criticisms by defending his economic performance, underscoring low inflation during his presidency and insisting his tariffs safeguarded American employment.
Abortion rights have also surfaced as a critical concern. Harris has committed to restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade, gaining a 19-point lead over Trump on this issue as per the NBC News poll. Trump refutes support for a nationwide abortion prohibition, declaring that the decision should fall under state jurisdiction.
The aversion to participate in a second debate deviates from previous election cycles. In 2020, Trump participated in multiple debates with Democratic nominee Joe Biden. This year, after Biden pulled out of the race post a weak debate performance against Trump in June, Harris became the Democratic candidate. Her entrance has tightened the race, with some polls displaying her leading by slim margins.
Despite the tight competition, Trump has expressed confidence in his position, claiming he is “leading big in the polls.” However, the CBS News poll highlights the deep divide among the electorate. Supporters for each candidate hold starkly different views on key issues and demonstrate varying degrees of trust in the electoral system.
As the final weeks before Election Day commence, the lack of a second debate means voters will lean on campaign events, ads, and media coverage to guide their decisions. Both candidates are expected to amplify their efforts in swing states, with the goal of mobilizing supporters and winning over the undecided electorate.
