Why Trump ditched a debate rematch – for now

At least for now.

Donald Trump’s refusal to take part in another presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris marks a significant moment in the 2024 campaign — and hints at vulnerability for a political career built on the foundation of his television fame and mastery of stagecraft.

The ex-president said he doesn’t need a rematch because he won Tuesday night’s debate, despite overwhelming reviews saying he bombed against a vice president who outdid a former reality star.

“Because we’ve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate. It’s too late anyway, the voting’s already begun,” Trump said during a wild campaign speech in Arizona on Thursday, also referring to his first debate against Joe Biden, on CNN in June, that led to the president being pushed out of the race by his own party.