(NewsNation) — Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation from CNN to participate in a debate on Oct. 23, her campaign said on Saturday. The Democratic nominee confirmed her acceptance on X, adding in her post that she hopes former President Donald Trump will join her.
“Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNN’s moderators, rules, and ratings,” campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement to Reuters.
At a Wilmington, North Carolina, rally on Saturday, Trump said it’s too late for a second debate.
“I’ve done two. It’s too late to do another. I’d love to in many ways but it’s too late. Voting is cast,” Trump told the crowd. Early voting in some states started as soon as Sept. 20.
Though senior Trump advisor Jason Miller told NewsNation’s Libbey Dean: “Trump’s Truth on the matter stands,” a Harris campaign told our Jackie Koppell, “We expect he will ultimately accept.”
CNN reported that the debate would mirror the one between Trump and Biden and would also take place in Atlanta.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was not at the Trump rally. Robinson, whom Trump has endorsed, is dealing with reports of racist and sexist comments he posted online years before entering public life.
“Trump still has my vote,” one rally goer told NewsNation. “I’m a conservative voter. I think Mark Robinson will still have my vote, as well.”
The Harris campaign began running a commercial in North Carolina tying Trump and Robinson.
“I’ve been with him a lot. I’ve gotten to know him and he’s outstanding,” Trump is heard on the 30-second spot, referring to Robinson.
Reuters and The Hill contributed to this report.