Donald Trump has announced that he will not participate in a second debate against Kamala Harris, following their tense exchange earlier this week. Trump declared on Truth Social that he “clearly won” the first debate, and criticized the moderators for bias. Harris, on the other hand, insists the two candidates owe voters another debate.
- Trump stated the moderators from ABC were unfair, accusing them of favouring Harris during the 90-minute debate in Philadelphia.
- Harris rattled Trump during the first debate with personal attacks, especially about his handling of the January 6 riots and the size of his rally crowds.
- A snap poll from CNN showed viewers favoured Harris’ performance, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll placed her five points ahead of Trump nationally.
- Harris reiterated her call for a second debate, stating voters must hear both candidates again.
- Trump has suggested the debate was rigged and is “less inclined” to attend another, though he initially proposed additional debates on Fox and NBC News.
- The Philadelphia debate drew 67.1 million viewers, outpacing the 51.3 million who watched Trump’s June debate against Biden.
- Polls show Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Trump’s refusal to debate again highlights the intensifying rivalry between the two, with both campaigns vying for a final edge as the November election looms.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Thursday said Harris had a five-point lead over Trump nationally, while 53% of respondents said that she won Tuesday’s debate.
