Trump tells FoxNews why he won't debate Harris

Even aside from how poorly Biden performed, Trump was relatively calm and measured when he debated Biden in 2024, and I think that was strategic given Biden's age, the polls, and the debate rules. If Trump debates Kamala, he's going to have to decide whether to talk about polices in another toned-down version or whether to personally attack her and risk getting hit with counter-punches.

 

As it should. Both sides have taken shots at the leaders of the other for not more frequently taking part in honest question and answer sessions, but neither seems willing to hold their own accountable. But who would really want to hire a person that is unwilling to perform a job interview?

 

Trump is willing to debate her. Is only asking for a switch in venue to Fox. Given the circumstances, that seems more than fair. And of course, you're slurping up the DNC narrative that Trump is afraid, when in reality it's Kamala that is afraid of debating him on Fox.

 

And the dems were too "chicken shit" to stick with the guy they nominated. Make no mistake. They only ditched Biden out of fear of losing.

That is "chicken shit" too, is it not?

The dems were so scared to have their nominee debate again that they ended his campaign. They in essence bailed on a second debate by doing this. That is the epitome of "chicken shit".

 

I may be giving off a false impression, okee. I actually never wrote that Trump is afraid or even that he said he wouldn’t debate Kamala. My ire isn’t directed at Trump at all. Of course he would try to get out of a debate if he thought it would hurt him. He’s a politician. My criticism is instead pointed at those of us on here, regular people, who would defend either candidate’s choice to avoid a debate.

As representatives of the political parties, Trump’s and Harris’ job is to get elected. As members of the general populace, our job is to make sure that neither candidate can win the office without earning it.

 

Strategies are created based on a opponent. As much as we would love it to be all about issues, it is not.

I think the game changes when one side pulls the plug this late. That is a distinct advantage.its similar to an AL relief pitcher having and advantage when he gets traded to an NL team.

No reason to add to that advantage. The point is to win

 

No. We agree here. I am saying the candidate is only thinking of winning.

Trump owes her no favors in that regard.

I want a debate, bit completely get the strategy if they do not

 

I think calling it a distinct advantage is a bit of a stretch. At least generally speaking (like comparing it to relief pitching). It appears to have been in this case but I think this situation is very unique. In any other tight race, replacing your candidate at this point would more often than not prove to be disastrous.

 

One could look at it that way for sure. One could also look at it as smart politics. I think the momentum shift and fundraising hauls for Democrats prove it's the latter.

Regardless of how each side views it, the fact of the matter is they absolutely should debate. Harris is running to be the leader of the free world - as is Trump. The debate is not for dems, it's for the entire nation to see a healthy discussion on why his or her policy ideas would be most beneficial to voters - and what kind of America they want for their future.

Any person running for that office should have zero objections to debating anyone - at any time - given they have a confidence in their ideas and are willing to defend them.

 

Fair. I guess I am saying in a situation where you have a damaged candidate as this was.

This change mid stream is an advantage to the dems. To complain about Trump not helping them out is silly.

 

Yeah I’ll have to disagree there. There is nothing chicken shit about conceding the incumbency heading into a re-election. It was a huge gamble. So far it appears to have been worth it.

 

Of course, and I agree. But again. The democrats werent willing to let their candidate debate anyone else...so they ditched him.

This is all about political strategy. THAT standpoint says Trump should consider what helps him.

Its bad for the people. Heck, its all bad for the people. We still have two unqualified candidates.

I'm speaking purely from a strategy pov and also from the pov of dems calling Trump chicken if he wont cater to their own (first) chicken move.

 

I'm think it was a gamble prior to the debate. I think they had no choice after.

 

Yeah i think the politically smart move is to decline the debate until he’s trailing in the polls.

 

Agree.

 

you’re right they had no choice. Had to be done.

 

I appreciate the discourse. Thanks. And strategy point taken. I agree, it's all about the win - but imo there are certain things you gotta do as a candidate for the highest office in the world - and debating your opponent - no matter who it is, is high on the list.

There was to be more than a single debate between Biden and Trump correct? So what's the big deal if Harris and not Biden is on the other side of the stage? Isn't Trump going to outline his vision for America vs the left regardless of who his opponent is?

Also, I understand that you may not like Harris, which is totally fine and obviously your right - but curious as to why do you feel she is unqualified? We have a long history of VP's who have become President.

 

As I understand it, the Trump campaign agreed in May to the second debate, which was scheduled for September 10th. Once Biden stepped aside, the Trump team said it would not agree to a debate with Kamala until the Democrats formally picked her as the nominee. The Trump campaign noted that Obama had not endorsed Kamala and that they didn't know who the Democrats might pick. Since then, Kamala has received endorsements from Obama and other party leaders. She is also the only Democrat who received sufficient delegate support to be eligible for the nomination. The DNC roll call is going to start tomorrow and is expected to be wrapped up as early as Monday.

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/kamala-harris-democratic-nominee-00172012

 

Wait . . . the greatest POTUS in the history of the U.S. (according to him) can't debate two measly candidates?

 

He’ll gain a ton of new supporters if he does that