Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to debating Vice President Kamala Harris after initially stepping back, during a lengthy news conference in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump took aim at his new rival, celebrated the crowd he drew on January 6, 2021, and disparaged Harris’s campaign enthusiasm.
As Trump addressed journalists at his estate, ABC announced that he and Harris would face off in a debate scheduled for September 10, marking a significant highlight in the 2024 election cycle. Trump previously indicated plans for three debates across various television networks in September.
In his remarks, Trump continued to assert that there was a “peaceful transfer” of power in 2021 and intensified his criticism of Republican figures, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, whom he denounced for rejecting his unfounded claims of electoral fraud.
During the over-hour long Q&A, Trump contrasted himself with Harris, who has not conducted a press conference since President Joe Biden left the race. He expressed surprise at Harris’s crowd sizes and highlighted a shift in the electoral landscape due to her candidacy.
Following Trump’s unexpected announcement to join ABC for the debate, he challenged Harris to participate in two additional debates on Fox and NBC. When asked about the possibility of a single debate on ABC, he expressed uncertainty, emphasizing his preference for three contests.
Shortly after the news conference, Harris conveyed her enthusiasm for the upcoming debate on ABC, stating she was pleased Trump had committed to it. Trump’s appearance marked his first public engagement since Harris named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, whom Trump characterized as “radical left.”
Trump cast doubt on Harris’s intelligence and claimed her selection of Walz represented extreme liberalism. He attempted to portray her as lacking the depth necessary for significant debate.
Fielding questions about the state of the campaign, Trump appeared irked by inquiries about Harris’s support and the positive energy surrounding her campaign, labeling certain queries as “stupid.” Despite the evolving circumstances, he claimed he had not altered his campaign strategy.
Trump acknowledged potential challenges with Black women voters but remained optimistic about his appeal to Black men. He indicated that he believed he could win over Black women by promising security and economic opportunities.
Ahead of the press briefing, Trump’s campaign officials claimed that Harris was riding a temporary wave of support and maintained that the overall sentiment in the country remains negative, citing widespread discontent with the economy and governance. They argued that while Harris may invigorate Democrats, she is unlikely to sway Republicans or independents.
Trump’s strategy for the upcoming months involves branding Harris as “failed, weak and dangerously liberal,” while associating her with unpopular policies from the Biden administration.
Regarding the issue of abortion, Trump suggested it may not play a significant role in the election outcome, asserting it had become less contentious since the Supreme Court returned control to states. However, he also noted that many states still support abortion rights, contradicting his claims of broad satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
During the press conference, Trump made false statements about the January 6 Capitol riot, asserting inaccurately that no one was killed that day. He referenced Ashli Babbitt, who was shot by a police officer, yet disregarded the violence of the event itself. He also compared his rally attendance to the historic March on Washington, claiming more people were present at his event.
When asked about Biden’s concerns regarding a peaceful transfer of power should Trump lose, he suggested the matter should have been addressed in a debate, reiterating that he anticipated a smooth transfer, similar to the previous transition. Trump’s statements come amid ongoing scrutiny over the circumstances of the Capitol attack and his role in it.