Vice President Kamala Harris has released a new TV ad reiterating her challenge to the former president to participate in another debate with her. The 30-second spot criticizes Trump for his hesitance to face her again following their initial face-off early in September.
The ad aired while Donald Trump was at a college football game between Alabama and Georgia, according to media reports.
The ad is packed with provocative remarks and opens with the statement: "Winners never back down from a challenge. Champions know it's any time, any place. But losers whine, waffle, and take their ball home." The ad includes a clip of Trump missing a putt on the golf course.
The scene then transitions to Harris addressing an audience as she directly challenges Trump. "Well, Donald, I do hope you'll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage. If you've got something to say, say it to my face," she challenges.
Despite declaring victory in their September debate, Trump has not agreed to another confrontation with Harris. In contrast, Harris has persistently pushed for a second debate, emphasizing the necessity for voters to witness both candidates tackle essential issues. At a recent campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina, she emphasized: "I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate because this election and what is at stake could not be more important."
In response to the Harris ad, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung referred to Trump's attendance at the Alabama-Georgia game and claimed to the Washington Post: "Kamala Harris would never show up to a sporting event like thisbecause she'd get booed out of the stadium and embarrass herself."
Harris's team had arranged for a plane over Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, where Trump was watching the football game, that was to fly a banner reading: "Trump's Punting on 2nd Debate." Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of stunt.
Harris accepted CNN's invitation for a debate on October 23, following her campaign's call for a second debate. Trump responded that it's "too late" for another debate.
"She's done one debate. I've done two," said Trump, referring to face-off with Harris and Joe Biden in a debate that eventually ended the president's campaign. "It's too late to do another. I'd love to, in many ways, but it's too late. The voting is cast."