Trump and Harris agree to September debate
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have agreed to a presidential debate on Sept. 10, marking the first head-to-head encounter between the two candidates.
"I look forward to the debate because I think we have to set the record straight," Trump said.
Trump proposed two additional debate dates against Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped his re-election campaign earlier this summer.
"The presidency was taken away from Joe Biden," Trump said.
Trump has also shifted his attacks to his new opponent.
"Kamala's record is horrible. She's a radical left person at a level that nobody has seen," Trump said.
Harris responded to Trump's comments.
"We're not falling for these folks who are trying to divide us, trying to separate us, trying to pull us apart," Harris said.
Harris is continuing her multi-day battleground blitz in Michigan, riding on a wave of Democratic enthusiasm following her nomination and VP announcement this week.
"We want to recognize the right that all people have to freedom and liberty, to make choices, especially those that are about heart and home, and not have their government telling them what to do," Harris said.
This comes amid a shift in the polls.
According to a Marquette University Law School national survey, Harris is now leading Trump among likely voters, 53% to 47%.
Analysts say Trump's press conference Thursday served a dual purpose.
"One, it's to get attention on him and also to show that contrast, making the point that he's trying to make, that I'm willing to do this. She's not," said Casey Burgat of George Washington University.
Trump criticized Harris for not yet holding a news conference or doing a sit-down interview since Biden dropped out.
The Harris campaign says in this limited time period they are being "strategic" and "creative" in getting their message to voters.
In an interview, Harris said, "I've talked to my team. I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month."