Trump and Harris to Hold Separate Town Halls Ahead of Election
Town Hall Events Confirmed by CNN
In a shift from the anticipated presidential debates, CNN has announced plans to host town hall events featuring both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The events are scheduled to take place before a live audience of undecided voters in Pennsylvania on October 23.
Harris Accepts CNN’s Invitation
Vice President Harris was quick to respond affirmatively to CNN’s invitation. Her campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, expressed that Harris is eager to engage with the voters and share her vision for the future of the country. “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,” Dillon stated.
Debate Plans Evolve
Originally, CNN had suggested a debate between Harris and Trump for the same date in Atlanta. Harris promptly accepted, but Trump dismissed the idea, prompting CNN to pivot to the town hall format. CNN released a statement affirming the importance of hearing from the leading candidates as Election Day approaches.
Alternative Debates [
With Trump’s unwillingness to engage in debates, Fox News reached out to both campaigns, proposing to host a debate in Pennsylvania on October 24 or 27. Harris’s campaign was reportedly prepared to agree, should the CNN deadline expire without a confirmation from Trump.
Trump’s Firm Stance
In response to the debate offers, Trump took to social media to declare, “THERE WILL BE NO REMATCH,” reaffirming his decision to forgo further debates. He maintained that he was victorious in past debates, reinforcing his viewpoint by stating that prior engagements behaved differently from his prospective games against Harris.
Upcoming Town Halls
The planned town halls are strategically timed, taking the place of a previously proposed debate now that CNN has ultimately decided to advance in a different direction. Additionally, Univision is set to host its own town hall with Harris on Thursday night, followed by one featuring Trump on October 16.
Further Insights
According to sources, Trump’s claim of a late rematch timeline is questionable as previous election cycles have featured debates around this critical juncture.
