Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that it’s “important for the country” that he and Vice President Kamala Harris engage in a presidential debate, despite his recent decision to withdraw from a scheduled debate set for next month.
“The most important thing is we get [to] debate,” Trump emphasized during an appearance on “Fox and Friends,” adding that Harris “wants to say I don’t want to debate, but I do want to debate.”
Trump Cancels Debate Amid Legal Battle
On Friday, Trump announced that he had “terminated” the previously scheduled ABC News debate with Harris, originally set for September 10. The debate was initially intended to feature President Joe Biden, but after Biden withdrew from the race, the focus shifted to a Harris-Trump face-off. However, Trump cited ongoing litigation as a “conflict of interest” and decided to cancel his participation. The former president is currently suing ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation.
Harris Campaign Responds to Debate Cancellation
Harris’ campaign quickly seized on Trump’s cancellation, framing him as “afraid to debate” in a series of pointed attack ads. Campaign spokesperson James Singer stated, “We aren’t surprised Trump wouldn’t show his face, he’s ashamed of his dangerous Project 2025 agenda, is afraid to debate, and has no positive vision to present to the American people.”
The tension escalated after Trump’s phone interview on Friday, where he proposed an alternative debate date. He suggested a September 4 debate in Pennsylvania on Fox News, with anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. However, Harris rejected this proposal, affirming her commitment to the original September 10 debate on ABC.
A Possible Debate on the Horizon
Despite the current impasse, Trump hinted on Wednesday that the situation could shift “fairly soon.” While he declined to confirm a new date or hosting network, he mentioned that “every network loves me very much right now.” Trump reiterated his desire to debate Harris, saying, “I want to debate her. I think it’s important for the country that we debate.”
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