The window for a final 2024 presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is closing, with CNN offering to host the event in Atlanta on October 23. Kamala Harris has accepted the invitation and welcomed the chance to debate Trump again, but Trump has rejected her calls. CNN has set a Thursday deadline for a formal response from both campaigns, as debates require time to organize. The network has emphasized the importance of a second debate between the two candidates for President of the United States.
With less than 30 days to Election Day, CNN is urging both campaigns to respond by Thursday, October 10 at 12 p.m. ET regarding their participation in the proposed debate. US presidential candidates typically engage in multiple televised debates, but this election year has been unorthodox due to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race soon after the first CNN-sponsored debate in June. Harris has been eager to debate Trump again following her performance at the ABC-sponsored debate in September, prompting CNN to propose an October 23 face-off in prime time at their Atlanta headquarters.
Despite Harris quickly accepting the second debate invitation, Trump has refused, citing that it is too late for a second debate. Trump’s response on Truth Social indicates that he believes he has already beaten both Biden and Harris and is not interested in doing it again. The Harris campaign, however, reiterated her willingness to participate in the debate if Trump agrees. Harris’ spokesman expressed disappointment in Trump’s reluctance to engage in debates and release medical records, adding that his speeches suggest a declining stability.
As the deadline for a response approaches, Harris remains ready to appear at the CNN debate on October 23 if Trump agrees to participate. Trump has been criticized for avoiding debates and other opportunities for public engagement in the final weeks of the campaign. The pressure is mounting for Trump to make a decision, as Harris has indicated her commitment to being in Atlanta for the proposed debate. The fate of the final 2024 presidential debate between Trump and Harris hangs in the balance as the Thursday deadline looms.
