Trump not ready to say yes to Harris debate

Former President Donald Trump won’t commit to debating Vice President Kamala Harris because he’s not convinced she’ll be the Democratic nominee.

A Trump campaign statement Thursday evening suggested that there is too much uncertainty within the party to assume Harris will be the nominee.

Harris became the front runner for the nomination earlier this week after President Joe Biden backed out of the race and put his support behind his vice president to succeed him. 

In short order, she gathered enough delegate pledges to lock up the nomination when the party gathers next month at the Democratic National Convention.

Will Donald Trump debate Kamala Harris?

Former President Donald Trump had previously agreed to three debates with President Joe Biden. 

The first one was held in late June and featured a poor performance by Biden, amplifying concerns that he wasn’t up to the challenge of keeping Trump out of the White House. He quit the race on July 21.

Trump’s campaign statement suggested former President Barack Obama had doubts about Harris as the nominee because he had not yet endorsed her.

That endorsement came Friday. 

Is Kamala Harris the Democrat nominee?

Despite her securing delegate pledges and party endorsements, Vice President Kamala Harris is not the official candidate until the party meets for the Democratic National Convention and nominates her.

The DNC is set for Aug. 19-22.

Harris also has not yet named a vice president for her ticket.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly are all names that have been suggested as possible running mates on a Harris-topped ticket.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, in particular, has gained attention for his strong appeal in the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania.

Harris has said she is ready and eager to debate Trump.

The next debate is tentatively set for Sept. 10. A third debate would likely happen in October.