Trump Hints at Potential Second Debate with Harris, Contingent on Key Conditions
Former President Donald Trump has signaled he may be open to a second one-on-one debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, reversing his earlier position that a third debate was not an option.
Despite his earlier refusal, Trump left the possibility of another debate with Harris open, noting it could happen if the right circumstances arise, as Fox News reports.
During a press conference in California on Friday, Trump was asked by Fox News reporter Aishah Hasnie what it would take for him to consider participating in another debate with Harris. In response, Trump said that he would not need anything specific to agree to a debate and indicated he could do so immediately. He noted, “I wouldn’t need anything. I could do it tomorrow.”
Trump Reflects on Previous Debates
Trump also commented on his performance in previous debates, mentioning that he had already participated in two. He claimed the second debate was unfair but still asserted that he did well. “I’ve done two debates. Everything was crooked in the second one,” Trump said.
Despite his frustrations, Trump expressed confidence in how he handled the debates, stating that he felt he had answered all the questions posed to him. “I did great in the debates, and I think they’ve answered everything,” he remarked. However, he did leave room for reconsideration, adding, “But maybe if I got in the right mood, I don’t know.”
Earlier this week, Trump took to Truth Social to assert that there would be no third debate between him and Harris. He likened himself to a prizefighter, declaring his victory in the recent debate. “Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate,” Trump stated.
Fox News Suggests Additional Debates
Fox News Media has proposed holding another debate between Trump and Harris, suggesting three possible dates in October. The proposed moderators for this debate are Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Whether or not the debate will take place is still uncertain, particularly given Trump’s previous declaration that there would be no third debate.
Trump also criticized Harris for not accepting the Fox News debate and for her refusal to participate in debates hosted by NBC and CBS. “She was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do NBC & CBS,” Trump remarked, indicating his frustration with Harris’s decision not to engage in those debates. Although Fox News has made efforts to organize another debate, the former president has expressed reservations, particularly regarding the moderators and the debate process itself.
Trump's Debate History and Accusations
This potential second debate comes after a series of high-profile debates between Trump and other political figures. Trump recently participated in a debate hosted by ABC News, which was initially agreed upon with President Joe Biden. However, Biden’s poor performance in the debate led him to withdraw from the race, leaving Harris as the Democratic Party nominee.
Trump’s participation in the ABC debate was not without controversy. He accused the moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, of bias. According to Trump, the moderators frequently fact-checked him while allowing Harris more leniency in her responses.
The former president’s accusations of biased moderation have been a recurring theme in his comments about debates. After the second debate with Harris, he expressed similar frustrations, claiming that the process had been rigged against him.
Vance-Walz Debate Scheduled for October
While Trump’s potential participation in a second debate with Harris remains uncertain, his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, is set to participate in an upcoming debate. Vance will face Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a debate scheduled for Oct. 1. The event will be hosted by CBS News, marking a significant moment in the vice-presidential race.
The outcome of the Vance-Walz debate could have an impact on the dynamics of the race, particularly if Trump ultimately decides to participate in a second debate with Harris.
Looking Ahead to Potential Future Debates
With the possibility of another debate still on the table, the question remains whether Trump and Harris will face off again before the election. Trump’s comments suggest that his decision will be influenced by both his mood and the conditions of the debate. Fox News’s proposed debate dates in October provide a potential opportunity for Trump and Harris to engage in another exchange of ideas. Whether or not Trump will ultimately participate remains to be seen.
For now, the former president has left the door open, leaving voters to speculate on whether a second Trump-Harris debate will take place. Until a final decision is made, the political world will be watching closely to see how this potential debate develops.
