Donald Trump criticizes Kamala Harris, says we need 'smart people to lead this country'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In a press conference held on Thursday, August 8, at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not being "smart enough."

Trump also challenged Harris with three presidential debates aimed at her growing popularity following President Joe Biden's withdrawal and her selection of running mate Tim Walz. 

Donald Trump says Kamala Harris is not 'smart enough'

Donald Trump criticized Kamala Harris for not holding a press conference, citing her almost nonexistent media presence since Joe Biden nominated her for president.

Trump said Harris won't hold a news conference because she isn't "smart enough."

"She doesn’t know how to do a news conference. She’s not smart enough to do a news conference," Trump said, according to NBC News.

Taking a jab at Harris' presidential run, Trump said, "And I’m sorry. We need smart people to lead this country."

Haris-Walz campaign responds to Donald Trump's remarks with a humorous tweet 

Donald Trump's campaign has clarified that the ABC debate would be held on September 10 as previously scheduled and the NBC one would take place on September 25. He also proposed a debate on September 4 on Fox News.

A press release responding to Donald Trump's remarks at Mar-a-Lago was completed by the highly active Harris-Walz campaign with a screenshot of a vintage tweet from @dril, a popular internet poster renowned for absurdist humor and regarded as one of the best "weird Twitter" accounts ever.

The X post read, "And another thing: I'm not mad. Please dont put in the newspaper that I got mad."

Kamala Harris says she is looking forward to debating Donald Trump

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris said on Thursday, August 8, that she's "looking forward" to debating Donald Trump next month.

“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump, and we have a date of Sept 10," she said in response to a question from NBC News. "I hear he’s finally committed to it, and I’m looking forward to it," Harris added.

When questioned by the outlet about the other two planned presidential debates for September, Harris remained silent. 

On Thursday, August 8, the Harris campaign unveiled a fresh advertisement that showcases the political career and biographical background of Democratic Party's presidential nominee, Harris.

"When you're raised by an immigrant mother you learn what's possible with determination," the advertisement states.

In a 60-second advertisement, Harris discusses her journey from working at McDonald's to becoming a prosecutor in San Francisco, the attorney general of California, and a US senator before rising to the position of vice president.

The advertisement was pushed out on Harris' X account.