Trump likely to debate Harris again, says Christie

Chris Christie, a former debate coach for Donald Trump, predicted that Trump would eventually agree to participate in another debate against Kamala Harris, citing the need to improve his polling numbers. Christie appeared on ABC's This Week, emphasizing that Trump's decision to debate would be tactical rather than philosophical, driven by the necessity to change the current unfavorable trends in his campaign. Harris has already accepted the invitation for a debate scheduled on October 23, while Trump has expressed skepticism about the timing, calling it 'too late' in the election season. Polling data indicates that Harris has gained momentum following her successful debate performance against Trump on September 10 in Pennsylvania. This shift in dynamics has prompted Harris's campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, to criticize Trump for potentially avoiding the debate stage, highlighting that having only one debate would be unprecedented in modern history. She argued that debates are crucial for voters to compare candidates directly. Christie believes that Trump will convince himself of his ability to outperform Harris in a second debate, despite having missed the opportunity previously. He stated that Trump 'needs' this debate to regain traction in the race, suggesting that the former president will ultimately capitulate to the pressure of the situation. The upcoming debate presents a critical moment for both candidates, as it could significantly influence voter perceptions and the overall trajectory of the campaign. With Harris ready to engage again, the stakes are high for Trump, who must navigate the challenges posed by his declining polling numbers and the urgency to reassert his position in the race.