Trump declines Fox news debate invite with Harris as election race tightens

Former President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will not participate in a second debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, following an invitation from Fox News for a possible showdown on October 24 or 27.

Trump's decision comes just weeks before the November 5 election, where he faces a closely contested race against Harris.

The two candidates previously debated on September 10, 2024, during which Harris effectively challenged Trump on multiple fronts.

In that debate, she scrutinized Trump’s fitness for office and targeted his legal issues, asserting that he could not be trusted to lead the nation.

Her aggressive questioning caught Trump off guard, putting him on the defensive as she emphasized her stance on abortion and critiqued his handling of the economy.

Despite the potential for a second debate, Trump remains adamant about not engaging with Harris again, declaring on his Truth Social platform, “THERE WILL BE NO REMATCH. SO THERE IS NOTHING TO DEBATE.”

He previously turned down an invitation from CNN for a debate on October 23, which Harris accepted.

Fox News described the proposed second debate as an opportunity for candidates to present their closing arguments before the election, especially as both campaigns ramp up efforts to sway undecided voters.

Recent polling indicates a tight race, with some surveys showing Harris holding a slim lead.

Trump's announcement of no further debates raises questions about his strategy as election day approaches.

He previously faced President Joe Biden in a debate in late June, after which Biden exited the race.

Harris took over the Democratic candidacy in response, further complicating the dynamics of the 2024 election.

Harris has made significant strides in fundraising as well. Reports suggest she has raised over $1 billion within just 80 days of her campaign launch, surpassing Trump’s total for the year.

Her robust fundraising is indicative of strong support, particularly as she prepares for a town hall event with Hispanic voters in Nevada.

The stakes are high as both candidates vie for critical swing states.

Recent polling data from The New York Times shows that the candidates are effectively tied in seven battleground states, underscoring the razor-thin margins that could determine the election outcome.

In the lead-up to the election, Trump's campaign has been focusing on rallying support, holding multiple events to engage with voters.

In contrast, Harris is leveraging her debate performance to connect with undecided voters and solidify her base.

The September debate revealed significant contrasts in their approaches to critical issues.

Harris strongly criticized Trump’s proposal for high tariffs, likening them to a regressive sales tax that would harm middle-class families.

She also linked Trump to rising unemployment rates during his presidency, asserting that his policies negatively impacted Americans.

Meanwhile, Trump focused on attacking the Biden administration’s management of inflation and immigration issues, emphasizing his commitment to border security.

His rhetoric, however, included unsubstantiated claims about immigrants contributing to crime, which Harris dismissed with humor, reinforcing her position as a candidate grounded in facts.

As the election date approaches, the lack of a second debate leaves Trump and Harris with only limited opportunities to sway public opinion. Harris’s previous performance, which rattled Trump, showcased her potential to effectively challenge his narrative.

Without another debate, the final weeks of the campaign will heavily rely on their respective rally strategies and media engagements.

With early voting set to begin soon, both candidates will seek to energize their supporters and attract undecided voters.

The outcome of the election could hinge on voter turnout in key swing states, making every moment in the remaining weeks of the campaign critical.

As Trump declines to debate Harris again, the question remains: how will this decision impact the overall race as both candidates aim to secure the presidency in an increasingly polarized political landscape?