CNN has set an October 10 deadline for former President Donald Trump to agree to a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on October 23. CNN notes that Harris has accepted the CNN offer, but Trump has rejected calls for a rematch.
- The network said in a statement: “CNN sent invitations on September 21 to both Vice President Harris and former President Trump’s campaigns to participate in a CNN debate this fall... 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 p.m. ET to participate."
- Presidential candidates usually meet for multiple televised debates in the run-up to Election Day. However, this year has seen just one debate between Trump and President Biden and one between Trump and Harris.
- Conventional wisdom suggests that a presidential debate is favourable unless a candidate holds a strong polling advantage. Considering how tight the race is, it is likely in the best interests of both candidates to meet for a second debate.
- Trump may be encouraged to agree to a second debate after his running mate, Senator JD Vance's (R-OH), strong performance in the vice-presidential debate showed potential electoral merit in cultivating a more moderate position. However, Trump is less likely to commit to an appearance on CNN, as he sees the network as friendly to Democrats.
- Polymarket currently sets the implied probability of another presidential debate at 9%.
