Trump campaign refuses to commit to presidential debates amid 'chaos' in Democratic party

Former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign on Thursday night refused to publicly commit to a presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris in September, citing "political chaos" in the Democratic party. 

Harris committed to the debate earlier Thursday, telling reporters that she was "ready" to debate Trump if she becomes the official Democratic nominee for president next month, now that President Joe Biden has withdrawn his bid for the White House.

Trump's campaign claimed that some Democrats are still hoping another candidate will emerge to challenge Harris for nomination, and so Trump will not schedule any events with Harris while the party can change its mind.

“Given the continued political chaos surrounding Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party, general election debate details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee," the campaign said in a statement. "There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Party - namely Barack Hussein Obama - that Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone 'better.'"

Rivals for the nomination have until 6 p.m. Eastern on Saturday to announce their intention to run for the nomination, according to the Democratic National Committee. 

The comment comes after Trump said he would like to debate Harris earlier this week, claiming he believes Harris will be an "easier opponent" than Biden to defeat in November.

"I want to debate her and she will be no different because they have the same policies," Trump said. “I think if you’re in the Democratic nominee or Republican nominee, you really have an obligation to debate."

The next debate is currently scheduled for Sept. 10, and was agreed upon by Biden and Trump. It will be moderated by ABC News. Fox News Media has also invited Trump and Harris to participate in a debate in Pennsylvania on Sept. 17, but neither presidential hopeful has accepted the invitation so far.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.