Donald Trump declared on Wednesday, October 9, that he will not participate in another presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, even though the major networks have extended invitations and the Harris campaign has been calling for it. This news emerges as the race between the two candidates heats up, with the election scheduled for November 5.

The initial debate between Trump and Harris took place on September 10, attracting a viewership exceeding 67 million. The debate underscored contrasting viewpoints on topics including the economy, abortion rights, and immigration policies.

Following the debate, Harris has been advocating for a second round, accepting an offer from CNN to stage a debate in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 23. Fox News has also put forth offers for debates on either October 24 or 27.

However, Trump has rebuffed these suggestions. “There will be no rematch,” he announced on his social media network, Truth Social, adding, “So there is nothing to debate.” He argued that it’s too late in the election season for another debate, pointing out that early voting has already begun in many states.

The Harris campaign condemned Trump’s rejection, implying he is evading direct interaction with the electorate. “Vice President Harris will be in Atlanta on October 23,” the campaign stated. “We hope former President Trump will join her to provide the American people an opportunity to hear from both candidates.”

Current polls show a neck-and-neck contest between the candidates. In battleground states, the race is particularly intense. The BBC states that while Harris has been ahead in key states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, the lead is slim, making the Electoral College a potential toss-up. Voter turnout and last-minute shifts in voter sentiment are anticipated to be decisive forces.

Both campaigns are concentrating on key issues to influence undecided voters. The economy remains a primary concern, with Harris criticizing Trump’s policies as favoring the affluent and pledging to strengthen the middle class. Trump defends his economic performance, highlighting low inflation during his term and asserting his tariffs protected American jobs.

Abortion rights constitute another crucial issue. Harris has promised to reinstate Roe v. Wade’s protections, gaining a 19-point lead over Trump on this matter according to the NBC News poll. Trump denies advocating for a nationwide abortion ban, stating that the issue should be left up to the states.

The resistance to a second debate is a departure from past election cycles. In the 2020 election, Trump participated in several debates with Democratic nominee Joe Biden. This year, after Biden exited the race following a weak debate performance against Trump in June, Harris stepped into the role of the Democratic candidate. Her participation has made the race more competitive, with some polls showing her leading by a slim margin.

Despite Trump’s expressed confidence in his standing, stating he is “leading big in the polls,” a CBS News poll underscores the deep division among voters. Supporters of each candidate hold vastly different views on key topics and express varying levels of trust in the electoral system.

As the final days before Election Day approach, the lack of a second debate means voters will have to rely on campaign events, advertisements, and media coverage to make an informed decision. Both candidates are expected to ramp up their efforts in swing states, aiming to mobilize supporters and capture the undecided electorate.