CNN has issued a firm deadline, demanding a concrete response from both the Trump and Harris campaigns regarding a second presidential debate slated for October 23 in Atlanta. CNN, who offered to host the debate, received confirmation from Vice President Harris, but former President Trump has rejected the invitation. The network’s latest move comes after a letter was sent to both campaigns, establishing a Thursday deadline for a response.
In a statement, CNN asserted their belief that a second debate between the two presidential candidates would benefit American citizens. “With less than 30 days to Election Day, we are placing a deadline for a formal response from both campaigns for this Thursday, October 10 at 12 pm ET to participate,” CNN stated.
This proposed debate follows a June meeting between Trump and President Biden, also hosted by CNN. Following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, ABC News hosted the first debate between Trump and Harris in September. Immediately after the debate, Harris challenged Trump to another face-off, leading to CNN’s October 23 proposal.
Harris’ campaign promptly accepted the invitation, arguing that Trump should have no qualms about accepting due to the debate’s format and location mirroring the June CNN debate, which Trump claimed he had won.
Despite the shared format and Trump’s prior positive remarks about the CNN setup, he has deemed the timing of the debate “too late.” CNN, however, points out that the October 23 date aligns with the final debate schedules of previous elections.
The 2024 presidential elections are scheduled for November 5. With the clock ticking and the political landscape in flux, the confirmation or rejection of this second debate will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the final stretch of the campaign.
