Donald Trump has confirmed he will debate Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10 after previously backing out. During a news conference at his Palm Beach estate, Trump criticized Harris, boasted about his January 6, 2021, crowd size, and dismissed questions about her campaign’s enthusiasm.
Trump announced that he and Harris have agreed to the debate, setting the stage for a major event in the 2024 election. He also proposed three debates with three different networks in September.
Trump reiterated his false claim that there was a “peaceful transfer” of power in 2021 and continued his attacks on Republican figures like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who has disagreed with Trump’s election fraud claims.
He highlighted his contrast with Harris, who has not held a news conference since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Trump had previously said he would not debate on ABC and criticized the network, but he has now agreed to the debate and is pushing for two additional debates on Fox News and NBC.
Harris responded positively, saying she’s glad Trump committed to the ABC debate and hopes he shows up. She also criticized Trump for his comments about her and her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Trump labeled a “radical left man.”
Trump tried to undermine Harris’s intelligence and dismissed questions about her campaign’s growing support. He admitted he might face challenges with Black women voters but expressed confidence in his support from Black men.
Trump’s campaign plans to focus on criticizing Harris as “failed, weak, and dangerously liberal” while blaming her for the Biden administration’s unpopular policies.
Regarding abortion, Trump claimed it is no longer a major issue since the Supreme Court’s decision to return control to states. However, he acknowledged the decision has energized Democrats and affected Republican strategies.
Trump also made false claims about the January 6 riot, including denying that anyone was killed. He falsely compared the crowd size at his rally to the historic March on Washington and responded to Biden’s concerns about a peaceful transfer of power, insisting there will be one.