Harris declares readiness for debate: accuses Trump of "backpedaling"

In the United States, Kamala Harris accused Donald Trump of "backpedaling" of the previously agreed presidential debate in September, as Trump's campaign said it would not agree to finalize plans until Harris officially becomes the Democratic Party's candidate, UNN reports citing The Guardian.

Details

On Thursday, Harris told reporters that she was "ready to debate Donald Trump". The debate, organized by ABC News, was scheduled for September 10.

"I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage," she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.

"The details of the general election debate cannot be finalized until the Democrats formally decide on their nominee," said Stephen Cheung, Trump's campaign communications director, in a statement on Thursday night.

"It would be inappropriate to plan a relationship with Harris, as the Democrats could still change their minds," he added.

Trump said he would like to move the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to meet with Harris more than once.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be "crucial." "It's the only time voters really tune in," he said.

Addendum

The September debate was one of two debates that Joe Biden and Trump agreed to. The first one was held on CNN on June 27, during which Biden gave what the outlet described as a "disastrous performance" that revived fears about his age for a second term and ultimately precipitated his decision to resign as the Democratic nominee.

Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his successor, and Democrats have since rallied around her. This week, the US vice president received enough delegate support to make her the nominee, but does not intend to formally accept the nomination until the Democratic National Convention in mid-August.