CNN extends invitation for real-time debate platforms with Trump and Harris
CNN declared on Thursday that they believe the American populace would profit from hearing more from the presidential hopefuls of the United States, specifically Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump. As a result, they extended invitations to both campaigns for individual CNN Town Halls on October 23.
These town halls will be held before a live audience of persuadable and undecided voters from Pennsylvania.
Initially, CNN proposed a debate between Harris and Trump for October 23 in Atlanta. Harris promptly accepted the offer, but Trump continually dismissed it, despite Harris's campaign efforts to persuade him to participate.
With the CNN invitation still valid and a deadline for a response fast approaching on Thursday, Fox News also proposed hosting a debate in Pennsylvania on October 24 or 27. If the CNN deadline had passed without a deal, it's likely that the Harris campaign would have accepted this alternative invite, as conveyed by a source familiar with the matter.
However, on Wednesday night, Trump bluntly stated on Truth Social that "THERE WILL BE NO REMATCH."
Trump continued to claim victory in the previous debates and mentioned he had agreed to a September 4 debate, which Harris declined, instead choosing to participate in the ABC-sponsored debate on September 10. Trump also argued that it was "too late" for a clash with Harris. However, it is worth noting that the CNN proposal aligned with the final debates of recent election cycles.
As the CNN deadline passed on Thursday afternoon, the network announced they would be proceeding with town halls instead, aiming to engage both candidates.
Additionally, the country's leading Spanish-language network, Univision, is holding its own town hall with Harris on Thursday night and with Trump on October 16.
CNN's Kate Sullivan provided reporting.
CNN decided to utilize these town halls as an opportunity to delve deeper into the business aspects of each candidate's media strategies.
In light of Fox News' proposal and Trump's refusal, CNN saw a chance to highlight the importance of media engagement in modern political business.
