Trump Challenges VP Harris to Fox Debate

In a provocative move following the Democratic National Committee's recent ad campaign, former President Donald Trump has challenged Vice President Kamala Harris to a debate on Fox News, slated for September 4. The Harris campaign swiftly responded, accusing Trump of attempting to dodge an already scheduled debate on ABC. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, took to Truth Social on Friday night, stating that the proposed debate would mirror the format of his initial debate with President Joe Biden, who has since exited the 2024 race. Trump emphasized that this new debate would feature a "full arena audience" in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. Michael Tyler, communications director for Harris's campaign, criticized Trump, saying, "Donald Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to, running straight to Fox News to bail him out." Previously, Trump and Biden had agreed to a second debate on September 10, to be hosted by ABC News. Trump has since suggested moving this debate to Fox News instead. "The Vice President will be there one way or another to seize the opportunity to speak to a prime-time national audience," Tyler asserted, implying Harris would participate even if Trump chose not to attend. "We're open to discussing further debates after the one both campaigns have already agreed to." Fox News has yet to respond to requests for comment. Trump's proposal for a Fox-hosted debate came on the heels of the Democratic National Committee's ad campaign, which taunted him as "afraid to debate" and questioned if his hesitation was linked to his views on abortion. Recent polls indicate a close race between Harris and Trump, with Trump's previous lead over Biden narrowing after the first debate. David Plouffe, a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama who recently joined Harris's campaign, commented on social media platform X, "Now, he seems only comfortable in a cocoon, asking his happy place Fox to host a Trump rally and call it a debate. Maybe he can only handle debating someone his own age." Trump is 78, while Harris is 59. After Biden dropped out of the race on July 21 and endorsed Harris, Trump initially refused to debate her, claiming she was not the official candidate. However, on Friday, Harris secured the necessary delegate votes to clinch the Democratic nomination. Last month, Harris expressed her readiness after Fox News proposed a presidential debate between the two candidates on September 17.