Trump Declares No More Debates Against Harris as Post-Debate Momentum Favors the Democrats
In a fiery post on Truth Social, Republican nominee Donald Trump announced that he would not participate in any further presidential debates against Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision, coming after several polls showed that Harris emerged victorious in their recent debate held earlier this week, could significantly alter the dynamics of the election campaign, which is set to culminate on November 5.
“THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!”
Trump, known for his directness, expressed his frustration on social media platforms. Earlier in the campaign season, Trump debated President Joe Biden in June before facing Harris on Tuesday. Despite his public claims of a strong performance against Harris, sources close to his campaign revealed concerns about his inability to stay on message during the debate.
The debate, held in a town hall format, covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. It drew significant attention, with Nielsen data showing that 67.1 million viewers tuned in. Six major Republican donors and three Trump advisers told Reuters that Harris had won the debate, suggesting her ability to maintain focus and articulate her policies contributed to her victory.
Harris Calls for Another Debate
Shortly after Trump’s post, Harris addressed her supporters at a rally, insisting that voters deserved a second debate between the two candidates. Harris believes another debate would provide voters with a more comprehensive understanding of the candidates’ policies and positions, potentially swaying undecided voters. “I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate,” she said to a cheering crowd.
While Trump continues to claim victory, polling data suggests otherwise. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 53% of voters believed Harris won the debate, while only 24% thought Trump came out on top. A majority of voters, 54%, felt that one debate was sufficient, but 46% expressed interest in a second round.
Surge in Donations for Harris Post-Debate
Harris’s stellar performance in the debate not only bolstered her political standing but also sparked a wave of support. Within 24 hours, her campaign received a staggering $47 million in donations, marking her largest one-day fundraising total since she took over the Democratic ticket in July. This surge in financial support demonstrated a strong backing among her supporters.
Harris’ growing momentum was further amplified by pop superstar Taylor Swift, whose social media endorsement sent over 400,000 users to voter registration websites. According to government data, Swift’s endorsement and the debate contributed to a surge in voter interest, with voter information websites seeing over 727,000 visitors between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Challenges to Trump Campaign
While Harris rode the post-debate momentum, Trump’s campaign encountered significant hurdles. In Springfield, Ohio, a city thrust into the national spotlight due to Trump’s controversial comments about immigration, bomb threats were issued, leading to the evacuation of several facilities, including city hall. These challenges underscored the potential risks and concerns facing Trump’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Trump’s planned rally in Tucson, Arizona, was also marred by controversy. The event was set to take place at a venue named after singer Linda Ronstadt, who denounced Trump shortly before his appearance.
With less than two months remaining until Election Day, the race between Trump and Harris is intensifying. Harris’ rising popularity and ability to mobilize a new wave of voters may pose significant challenges for Trump as he presses on with his campaign in key battleground states.