Harris Campaign Challenges Trump’s Debate Absence: ‘He Fears Accountability’
ABC; BRANDON BELL/GETTY IMAGES
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign took a direct shot at former President Donald Trump on Thursday, accusing him of cowardice for refusing to commit to a debate. The statement came shortly after CNN extended town hall invitations to both presidential candidates.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’s Campaign Chair, posted the response on social media, criticizing Trump’s reluctance. “Trump would rather cocoon himself in safe spaces and avoid real questions about his harmful plans and failed divisive leadership,” O’Malley Dillon remarked. “Trump fears another debate where Vice President Harris would hold him accountable in front of tens of millions of Americans.”
Harris’s campaign swiftly accepted CNN’s invitation to participate in a live town hall in Pennsylvania on October 23. The vice president’s team confirmed her eagerness to field questions from the audience. CNN had also proposed a debate in Atlanta for the same date, which Harris accepted; Trump, however, declined.
On Trump’s campaign calendar, a rally is scheduled for October 23 in Duluth, Georgia, beginning at 7 p.m., further highlighting his avoidance of the debate format.
This isn’t the first time Trump has sidestepped a high-profile media engagement. Recently, he backed out of a “60 Minutes” interview, which Harris ultimately conducted. Following the episode, Trump launched attacks against CBS, claiming the interview was “illegal” and demanding an investigation due to alleged editing.
O’Malley Dillon continued her criticism in Thursday’s statement, arguing that Trump’s theatrics were a cover for his lack of substance. She painted a stark picture of what another Trump term would mean for America, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
“Trump may want to hide from the voters, but Vice President Harris welcomes the opportunity to share her vision for a New Way Forward for the country,” O’Malley Dillon asserted. She added that Harris intends to use the platform to make a direct case to the American public, warning that Trump’s reelection “will threaten the stability and security of hardworking families and that a second Trump term is too big of a risk for our country.”
As Harris prepares to take the stage in Pennsylvania, her campaign’s message is clear: while Trump chooses rallies over debates, she is ready to face the voters and address the pressing issues head-on. Whether Trump’s decision will impact his standing remains to be seen, but Harris and her team are positioning her as the candidate willing to engage and confront the challenges ahead.
