Harris accepts CNN invitation to second presidential debate in October

WASHINGTON

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday accepted an invitation from CNN to debate her Republican rival and former President Donald Trump on October 23.

"I will gladly accept a second presidential debate on October 23. I hope @realDonaldTrump will join me," Harris said on X.

Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Trump, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement.

"Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNN’s moderators, rules, and ratings," she added.

After a poor show in a June debate against Trump, President Joe Biden exited the presidential race, instead endorsing Harris as the Democratic contender for the Nov. 5 election.

Harris and Trump debated each other for the first time on Sept. 10 night.

After the Harris campaign quickly pushed for a second debate after that night, Trump announced he will not participate in another debate, claiming he decisively won against "Comrade Kamala Harris."

However, later Trump suggested that he might be open to participating in a third presidential debate. "Maybe if I got in the right mood," he told reporters last week.