CNN has set a deadline of noon on Thursday for former President Trump to pull a U-turn and agree to a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The network said it would need nearly two weeks to prepare for the proposed clash, which is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 23.
“The window for a final 2024 presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is closing,” CNN wrote Tuesday in a story about its own deadline.
Trump has given no indication that he is reconsidering his decision to forego another clash with Harris who was widely deemed the winner of their first debate on Sept. 10, hosted by ABC News.
He has said the proposed second debate date is “too late” even though it is similar to the later debates in previous presidential election cycles.
Trump also dodged a traditional sit-down interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” which aired a similar interview with Harris on Monday.
The Harris campaign responded to the CNN deadline by reaffirming her willingness to participate.
“[Harris] remains ready to appear at CNN debate on October 23 if Trump will agree,” said Brian Fallon, a campaign spokesman.
Viewer polls deemed Harris the winner of the first debate, although the race remains too close to call according to surveys of likely voters.
Trump said he actually won the debate.
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