Despite having previously declined the idea of participating in more than one debate against former U.S. President Donald Trump, Kamala Harris’s campaign quickly called for an additional presidential debate immediately after Tuesday night’s event in Philadelphia concluded.
This debate, hosted by ABC, was the first face-off between Harris and Trump.
“Under the bright lights, the American people saw the choice they will face at the ballot box this fall: moving forward with Kamala Harris or going backward with Trump. That was evident tonight, and it’s why we believe a second debate in October is crucial,” said Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’s campaign chair, in a statement.
She added, “Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?”
Trump had previously debated former President Biden in the widely criticized June 27 clash, where Biden’s poor performance led to calls from Democrats for him to withdraw from the race, which he eventually did.
Following the debate, the Harris campaign expressed strong confidence, declaring Harris the victor. Jen O’Malley Dillon noted that Harris “commanded the stage on every single issue” and described Trump as “totally incoherent.”
Ahead of the debate, Trump had repeatedly criticized ABC News and questioned whether he would participate.
The Harris campaign had also challenged the decision to mute microphones while another candidate was speaking but ultimately agreed to the rule, allowing the debate to proceed.
