There will be no third debate with Kamala Harris - Trump declares after campaign releases memo touting gains in ‘target states

On September 12, Donald Trump announced that there would be no third debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. 

This announcement came shortly after an internal poll showed that Harris did not gain support in crucial states, while Trump experienced a 2-point increase following their debate on ABC News on September 10.

Trump posted on Truth Social, saying that Harris’ call for a second debate was similar to a fighter demanding a rematch after losing. He criticized Harris for missing a planned Fox News debate and refusing to participate in debates on NBC and CBS.

Trump suggested that Harris should focus on her past performance rather than seeking another debate, and criticized both her and President Biden for issues like unchecked immigration and inflation. 

The Trump campaign had sought a debate on NBC News for September 25, but Harris’ team did not confirm her participation. Harris also declined a debate on Fox News on September 4, leading Trump to hold a town hall in Pennsylvania instead.

A campaign memo showed that Trump gained a two-point lead over Harris in surveys from seven swing states. Trump leads Harris 49% to 46% in a multi-candidate scenario and 50% to 47% in a direct matchup. Before the debate, Trump and Harris were tied in polls. The memo indicated that Harris’ performance did not impress voters, contrary to media portrayals. The survey, which included 1,893 voters, was conducted the night after the debate.