Vice President Harris’ campaign says former President Trump is “too scared” to debate her following his recent comments questioning the need for his participation in a debate.
While speaking on Fox Business Network with the host, Maria Bartiromo this week Trump admitted that he wants to debate Harris but he also added, “I mean right now I say, why should I do a debate? I’m leading in the polls. And, everybody knows her, everybody knows me.” Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the Harris for President campaign, reacted to the remarks by stating that Trump “needs to man up.”
“He’s got no problem spreading lies and hateful garbage at his rallies or in interviews with right-wing commentators. But he’s apparently too scared to do it standing across the stage from the Vice President of the United States,” Richmond said. “Since he talks the talk, he should walk the walk and – as Vice President Harris said earlier this week – say it to her face on September 10. She’ll be there waiting to see if he’ll show up.”
During a rally in Atlanta on Tuesday, Harris challenged Trump to “say it to my face,” emphasizing her determination to engage in a debate with him. In the past week, she has intensified her efforts to pressure Trump into participating in a general election debate, engaging in a back-and-forth exchange of criticisms with him on the matter.
The Democratic National Committee revealed plans to launch a digital homepage takeover beginning Saturday to criticize Trump for showing reluctance to participate in a debate. The initiative will commence in Atlanta and extend to newspapers in battleground states.
In recent days, Trump has displayed uncertainty regarding the idea of debating Harris. Initially stating to reporters last week that he would “absolutely” debate the vice president, his campaign later refused to confirm a debate until she becomes the official nominee. Trump further indicated to Fox News that he would “probably” debate her but suggested he could make a case against doing so.