Following a heated debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump remained uncertain about participating in a second debate.

Harris, who had criticized Trump during the event on a number of issues, has expressed interest in another televised showdown, but Trump remained non-committal as he weighed in on the moderators and format of their first encounter, as the Daily Mail reports.

During the debate, Harris attacked Trump’s ability to draw crowds to his campaign rallies. Trump responded defensively, both during the debate and in a post-debate interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. He was unsure whether a second debate was necessary, citing his belief that he won the first clash.

Trump and Harris Clash on Rallies

In the initial debate, Harris challenged Trump, criticizing his rally turnout and suggesting that attendees left his events early due to boredom.

Trump countered by accusing Harris of fabricating rally images using AI and busing in supporters to create the illusion of larger crowds. He emphasized that he didn’t see a need for another debate, especially since he considered himself the winner of the first one.

The former president's reluctance to agree to a second debate was evident in his remarks to Hannity. He stated that another debate was typically pursued by someone who lost, and since he believed Harris lost the first debate, he questioned the necessity of another confrontation. However, he left the possibility open, saying he might reconsider if it were held on a "fair network."

Post-Debate Remarks Stir Controversy

During the post-debate "spin room" interview, Trump reiterated his reluctance to engage in a second debate. He criticized the moderators, accusing them of bias, and described the experience as “three against one.” Trump felt that he had successfully defended himself despite facing tough scrutiny from both Harris and the moderators.

Harris’s campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, took a different stance, urging for another debate in October to give voters a clearer picture of the choice before them.

"Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall," Dillon said. She asserted that Harris was ready for another debate, leaving the ball in Trump’s court.

Trump Doubles Down on Migrant Claims

In a controversial moment during the debate, Trump claimed that migrants were "eating pets" in Springfield, Ohio, a statement that was fact-checked by the debate moderator. This statement drew criticism, adding to the polarized reactions to his debate performance.

Trump continued to defend his rallies, rejecting Harris’s criticism about attendees leaving early. He pointed to the enthusiasm of his supporters and doubled down on his claims that Harris struggled to gather a substantial crowd without paying people to show up.

CNN Poll Shows Harris Ahead

While Trump maintained that he won the debate, a CNN snap poll painted a different picture. According to the poll, Harris was viewed as the winner of the debate, securing a 63-37 margin among viewers. This result seemed to further fuel the call for another debate from Harris's campaign, while Trump remained skeptical about participating.

Dillon, representing Harris, emphasized that a second debate would only further solidify the stark contrast between Harris and Trump. "Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate," Dillon said, urging Trump to reconsider his reluctance. Dillon framed the potential second debate as another opportunity for voters to see the differences between the two candidates.

Trump Stands Firm in Debate Hesitation

Despite pressure from Harris’s campaign, Trump has yet to commit to another debate. His comments in the "spin room" suggest that he may not feel the need to further engage unless the conditions are to his liking. His insistence on finding a "fair network" and his characterization of the debate as "three against one" underline his concerns about media bias.

However, Trump left some room for negotiation, acknowledging that he might reconsider under the right circumstances. For now, though, he remains non-committal, leaving the question of a second debate in limbo.

Conclusion

As post-debate reactions continue to unfold, Kamala Harris's campaign is eager for another chance to face Donald Trump on the debate stage.

While Trump remains uncertain about participating, citing his belief that he won the first debate, Harris and her team are pressing for a rematch in October.

While many Americans would relish the opportunity to watch the candidates face off again, Trump's hesitations and concerns about media fairness suggest that any further debates will depend on whether the conditions suit his preferences. The political landscape continues to shift as both campaigns navigate the aftermath of a fiery first encounter.