Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has agreed to three debates against Vice President Kamala Harris, including one on ABC News that he had previously cast doubt upon.
Trump’s team confirmed the debates will occur on September 4 on Fox News, September 10 on ABC, and September 25 on NBC. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump stated, “We have those three dates and those networks; they’re anxiously awaiting that date and those dates. We have spoken to the heads of the network, and it’s all been confirmed.”
Before President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, the campaigns had agreed to a September 10 debate on ABC News and a vice presidential debate with CBS News. Trump expressed satisfaction with these arrangements, adding, “CBS will do a vice presidential debate. And, and I have to tell you, JD Vance has stepped up. He’s doing a fantastic job.”
Trump had previously raised doubts about his participation in the ABC debate, suggesting last Friday that the discussion had been “terminated” due to Biden’s exit and ongoing litigation against ABC.
Regarding his running mate, JD Vance, Trump also noted that Vance had proposed a debate with Harris on August 13, suggesting that Harris might not be prepared for such a debate.
Trump took a critical tone towards Harris, claiming her debate performance against Biden played a role in Biden’s exit from the race. He expressed frustration with the transition of Harris to the Democratic nomination, asserting, “I’m not a fan of his. As you probably have noticed. He had a rough debate, but that doesn’t mean you take it away like that.”
Harris has not formally confirmed her participation in the Fox News or NBC debate. Her campaign spokesperson, James Singer, responded to Trump’s remarks: “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 Americans.”
Trump’s press conference also highlighted his dissatisfaction with Harris’s media engagement, accusing her of avoiding news conferences. “She’s not doing a news conference. Do you know why? She’s not doing it because she can’t do a news conference,” Trump said. “She doesn’t know how to do a news conference. She’s not smart enough to do a news conference. And I’m sorry, we need smart people to lead this country.”
The debate scheduling and Trump’s criticisms underscore the ongoing tensions in the 2024 presidential race as both candidates prepare for the upcoming campaign challenges.
