Donald Trump rejects Kamala Harris' call for second presidential debate, claims it's 'too late'

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA: GOP nominee Donald Trump rejected his Democratic counterpart Kamala Harris' proposal for a second presidential debate between the two, stating that it was "too late" for a rematch, Politico reported on Saturday, September 21.

Vice President Harris has reportedly agreed to face off against the former president on October 23 in a debate hosted by CNN.

The network had notably hosted the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle with Trump and incumbent Joe Biden back in June. The latter's dismal performance in the fateful event earned him widespread criticism and resulted in him suspending his reelection campaign.

Kamala Harris pushes for second debate with Donald Trump

The Kamala Harris campaign has been pushing for a second debate between the two present major party nominees since they faced off on September 10. By contrast, team Trump gave mixed signals on the subject, with the former president once rejecting the proposal outright, posting on Truth Social, "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!"

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Harris wrote, "I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me.”

 

The debate is to be held at the Atlanta studios of CNN, the same stage upon which Trump faced Biden in June.

Donald Trump quashes second debate prospect

Addressing a rally in Wilmington on the same day, Donald Trump quashed the prospect of another debate, stating, "It’s just too late."

He noted that “voting has already started,” which stands true for a few states such as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia that offer early in-person voting.

“She’s done one debate, I’ve done two, it’s too late to do another,” shared the GOP nominee. “I’d love to, in many ways, but it’s too late. The voting is cast, the voters are out there.”

Trump's attitude was in stark contrast to his running mate JD Vance, who expressed his interest in facing the Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in a second debate. The two are yet to face off once, with the first debate between them being scheduled for October 1.

Conservatives defend Donald Trump on social media

Netizens, especially conservatives, reacting to the news on X came out in defense of Donald Trump, and slammed Kamala Harris for not accepting Donald Trump's proposal for a debate on Fox News. The following tweets demonstrate their sentiment.

"She doesn't answer any real questions, so what's the point?" a user criticized Harris.

"No need to debate her until she steps up and does an actual press conference with the real press. Her record is abysmal. Let her defend it!!" wrote another.

"Didn’t she refuse to debate on Fox News," jibed a user.

"Trump refused to do the CNN debate just like Harris refused to do the Fox debate. Trump has already done one debate rigged in her favor so the next one should either be fair or in his favor," expressed one user.

"She had her chance, but wouldn't take it. Now because she is behind she wants a second debate, nope," chided someone else.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.