On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris again called for a second debate with former President Trump, wooing voters in the crucial swing state of Nevada two days before the first vice presidential debate.
“In two days, you’ll be rooting for Coach Walz when he discusses J.D. Vance. But their debate should not be the last word.” Harris spoke to a rally crowd at the World Markets Expo Center in Las Vegas. About 7,500 people attended, according to campaign officials.
“I’m going to debate Donald Trump again. I think he should debate again. The American people have the right to hear us discuss this issue. And like you said here in Las Vegas, I’m all in. Even if my opponent is ready to fold, I go all in,” Harris said.
Harris and Trump faced off in their first debate earlier this month. The Democrat was widely seen as the winner, and she accepted CNN’s invitation for a second showdown. But Trump said he would take no other action, despite pressure from some in his own party.
A Quinnipiac University poll released last week found more than six in 10 Americans said they would like to see the two candidates back on the debate stage. The Democratic National Committee launched a billboard campaign last week calling Trump a “chicken” for not agreeing to another showdown.
The September 10 debate was the first with Harris, but notably Trump’s second presidential debate this season. He discussed President Biden, an event believed to be the driving force behind his historic exit from the primary last June.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (Democrat) and Ohio Senator JD Vance are scheduled to face each other in the vice presidential debate on Tuesday. Unless Harris and Trump agree on different programs, the showdown between their running mates could become the final debate for both campaigns.
Harris, of Nevada, began the rally by thanking first responders and wishing good luck to Southeastern residents affected by Hurricane Helen. She then introduced her economic vision and discussed the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Opinion polls show a tight race in Nevada, which is seen as one of seven critical battlegrounds that will determine the winner of the Oval Office in November. According to the latest polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Harris has a narrow 2-point lead in the Silver State and a 4-point lead nationally.
Harris’ quick bid has fueled Democratic optimism about a path through the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Nevada and Georgia. Biden won Nevada by about 2 points in 2020.
Harris raised a total of $55 million in two California campaigns last weekend, according to campaign officials. The vice president attended a fundraiser in Los Angeles on Sunday before flying to Las Vegas for the rally event.
