Trump "I want to debate Harris... Won't be much different from Biden"

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the United States, stated on the 23rd (local time) that he would participate in multiple debates once Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to be the Democratic presidential candidate, completes the official nomination process. He also expressed confidence, saying that the debates would not be much different from the first TV debate where he was decisively defeated by President Joe Biden.

During a call with reporters hosted by the Republican National Committee on the same day, former President Trump said, "I am actually willing to participate in more than one debate." He emphasized that "whether the candidate is from the Democratic or Republican party, there is an obligation to debate," and that debates between presidential candidates are "important."

The first TV debate held at the end of last month became the most decisive factor that fueled concerns about President Biden's advanced age and led to calls for his withdrawal from the candidacy. Judging that he had overwhelmed President Biden in that debate, former President Trump showed strong confidence toward Vice President Harris as well.

Former President Trump said, "I want to debate her," and sarcastically added, "They (Biden and Harris) have the same policies, so she won't be much different (after debating me)."

However, former President Trump also confirmed that his previous statement about debating anytime and anywhere only applied to President Biden. He explained, "I did not agree to anything," and "I agreed to debate Biden."

He also expressed dissatisfaction again regarding the TV debate scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC. He said, "I am not thrilled with ABC," and claimed that the broadcaster is biased against him. Earlier, on the 21st, when President Biden withdrew from the candidacy, former President Trump argued on Truth Social that the September debate host should be changed to Fox News, which is more favorable to him.

Former President Trump devoted most of the call with reporters to criticizing Vice President Harris's immigration and border policies. The New York Times (NYT) evaluated this as an attempt to link the issues that were central to his attacks on President Biden with Vice President Harris.

He also expressed trust in Senator J.D. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate. He said that even if he had known he would be competing against Vice President Harris instead of President Biden, he would have chosen Senator Vance as his running mate, adding, "He is doing really well."