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Donald Trump, once hesitant, has now agreed to debate on ABC next month, mirroring Joe Biden’s earlier attempt to revive a slipping campaign. Trump’s decision comes as his new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, surges in popularity, shaking up the race.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. (Photo: Reuters)

The September 10 debate looms as a crucial moment in a race that has dramatically shifted. Trump, confident he won’t face the same fate as Biden, called for additional debates on NBC and Fox, though Harris has yet to agree. His eagerness reveals an emerging truth: the race is tightening, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Harris, now the Democratic nominee, is no stranger to debates. While her past performances have been mixed, she has grown as a politician since 2020. Supporters are eager to see her leverage her prosecutorial skills against the former president, who has been indicted four times. Harris welcomed Trump’s debate reversal with a sharp jab, expressing her anticipation for their face-off.

As Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, gain momentum, Trump is struggling to regain his footing. His news conference at Mar-a-Lago reflected his frustration with the shifting dynamics. He downplayed the need for a strategic shift, insisting he’s still leading and dismissing the energy of the Harris campaign. However, polls tell a different story. Harris has closed the gap, with some showing her leading nationally.

Trump’s campaign, once buoyant after the Republican convention, now appears stagnant. While his arguments against Harris—economic woes, international instability, and border concerns—resonate with his base, he struggles to deliver them effectively. Instead, his news conference veered off course, focusing on personal grievances and unsubstantiated claims about the Democratic nomination process.

Harris’ rise has restored the election to a tight race. Despite this, Trump remains a formidable opponent, known for seizing opportunities from crises. His recent strategy, however, leans heavily on fear, predicting economic collapse and global conflict if he isn’t elected. This dark message contrasts starkly with the optimism surrounding Harris’ campaign, which has drawn large, enthusiastic crowds.

As the debate approaches, Trump faces a critical test. His aides acknowledge that Harris’ bounce was expected, but they remain confident that the fundamentals of the race favor Trump. Yet, the former president shows few signs of how he plans to halt Harris’ momentum. The race for the White House is far from over, and both candidates are bracing for the intense battle ahead.