Harris accepts CNN debate invite

Vice President Harris accepted an invite from CNN for a second debate with former President Trump next month, her campaign announced Saturday.

“Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump, and she has accepted CNN’s invitation to a debate on October 23,” Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement.

The Harris campaign called for a second debate against her GOP rival shortly after their Sept. 10 match-up on ABC wrapped up, but Trump has said he won’t do another one.

“Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNN’s moderators, rules, and ratings,” O’Malley Dillon added.

After Trump’s CNN debate in June against President Biden, when Biden was still on the top of the ticket, the former president said the moderators treated him “very fairly” and were “very professional.”

A CNN spokesperson told The Hill Saturday that both Harris and Trump received an invitation to participate in the debate this fall “as we believe the American people would benefit from a second debate between the two candidates.” The network reported that the debate would mirror the one between Trump and Biden and would also take place in Atlanta.

The Harris campaign reiterated their argument that voters deserve to see another debate between the two nominees before election day.

“The American people deserve another opportunity to see Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate before they cast their ballots. It would be unprecedented in modern history for there to just be one general election debate,” O’Malley Dillon said. “Debates offer a unique chance for voters to see the candidates side by side and take stock of their competing visions for America.”

Biden’s poor performance in the June debate led to Democrats calling for him to drop his reelection bid and ultimately, his decision to step aside and endorse Harris.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the invitation.

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