Former President Donald J. Trump stated on Thursday that there “will be no” second debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, following a performance in a recent debate that drew significant criticism for missed opportunities.
Trump’s declarations about his future plans are rarely definitive; they often serve as a starting point for negotiations. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether his stance will persist. Nonetheless, Trump’s firm statement will require explanation if he changes his mind.
In a post on Truth Social and shortly after at his rally in Tucson, Ariz., Trump asserted, despite widespread criticism from commentators and some of his own advisers, that he won the debate with Harris on Tuesday night, hosted by ABC News, and therefore does not need another debate.
In contrast, the Harris campaign expressed a desire for another debate immediately after Tuesday’s event. Trump referenced this in his social media post, stating, “When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, ‘I WANT A REMATCH,’” and pointed to some unscientific online polls suggesting his victory.
Trump also accused Harris and the Biden administration of damaging the country, asserting in all caps: “Kamala should focus on what she should have done during the last almost four year period. There will be no third debate!”
He echoed this sentiment at the Tucson rally, stating, “Because we’ve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate.”
While Trump and his allies have criticised Harris for limiting interviews, the argument that she is avoiding scrutiny could become more complex if Trump remains steadfast in his refusal to debate again.
The campaigns have been discussing the possibility of another debate with NBC News. A spokesman for NBC declined to comment.
Following a poor performance in a June debate against Trump, President Biden’s re-election campaign ended. Biden and Trump had agreed to a second debate in September, hosted by ABC. After Harris became the Democrats’ nominee, Trump initially announced the debate would not occur, then said he was committed to it, and finally wavered before proceeding.
Campaigning in North Carolina on Thursday, Harris said “we owe it to the voters” to have another debate.
