Vice President Kamala Harris was reportedly preparing to confront former President Donald Trump during his visit to a highly anticipated college football game in Alabama.
Harris planned to fly a banner over the stadium and air a national TV ad, both aimed at pressuring Trump into agreeing to a second debate before the upcoming election, as the Daily Mail reports.
The showdown was to take place during the Alabama Crimson Tide’s clash with the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Trump was attending the game as part of a brief break from his campaign. Harris, however, was using this event as an opportunity to challenge him directly.
Harris arranged for a plane to fly over the stadium with a banner set to read: "Trump’s Punting on 2nd Debate." The message refers to Trump’s reluctance to commit to a second debate after their first confrontation earlier this month.
Trump previously participated in mid-October debates in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. However, despite his past participation, he has expressed concerns about the timing of this potential debate, as it would fall on Oct. 23, after early voting begins. Meanwhile, Harris has agreed to a second debate, which would be hosted by CNN, and is attempting to pressure Trump into joining her on stage once more.
In addition to the banner, Harris’ campaign has also produced a TV ad that was to air during the game on ESPN. The ad aimed to emphasize the importance of meeting challenges head-on, a direct jab at Trump’s hesitation to commit to the debate. The ad’s narrator makes pointed remarks, stating: "Winners never back down from a challenge. Champions know it’s any time, any place. But losers, they whine and waffle and take their ball home." The message aligns with Harris’ strategy to portray Trump as avoiding a critical debate.
Harris emerged as a strong candidate after their first debate earlier this month, with poll numbers showing she retained a strong chance of winning the popular vote. Trump, however, continues to hold a lead in the electoral college projections.
While Harris is pressuring Trump, the former president still holds a solid lead in the electoral college projections, according to a recent poll from the Mail. Trump is leading Harris by 10 points, with a 55.2% chance of winning the electoral college. Harris, on the other hand, leads in the popular vote, with 50.8% support and a 65% chance of winning the majority of votes come November. Despite this, her chances of securing the electoral college are currently lower than Trump's, at 44.6%.
The election could still be closely contested, with only a slim chance of a tie. Harris remains determined to push Trump into a second debate, which could play a key role in influencing undecided voters.
Trump’s appearance at the game came as he stepped away from the campaign trail for the evening. He was invited to attend the game by Alabama businessman Ric Mayers and was to be joined by several prominent individuals.
Those in attendance with Trump were to include Alabama Sen.s Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, as well as John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Mayers and his friends and family were also to accompany Trump at the event. The game itself was expected to draw significant attention, not only for its on-field action but for the political drama unfolding above and around the stadium.
Harris’ focus on the debate underscores the importance of public confrontation in the final stretch of the election campaign. Her decision to fly the banner and air the TV ad during such a high-profile event signals her commitment to pushing Trump on the debate stage. Trump, however, has yet to confirm whether he will accept the challenge. His campaign has cited the timing of the proposed debate as problematic, particularly with early voting underway.
The game at Bryant-Denny Stadium was slated to serve as more than just a battleground for the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs. It was also set to mark a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential election as Harris attempts to force a second debate with Trump.
