Almost two-thirds of K Street leaders predict the second presidential debate scheduled for September will be scrapped, according to the latest results from our survey, The Canvass.
It’s worth noting that the poll was conducted in the immediate days and weeks after the disastrous June 27 debate where President Joe Biden struggled to articulate himself while former President Donald Trump told a string of falsehoods.
GOP respondents were slightly more doubtful about another debate happening, with 67% of them saying it will be nixed. Among Democratic respondents, 54% think the debate will be canceled.
Another important caveat: The poll was conducted prior to Biden dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place on the Democratic ticket. Biden ended his reelection bid on July 21 amid mounting calls to step aside due to concerns about his mental acuity and ability to serve another term.
Shortly after Biden withdrew from the race, Trump called for the second debate — previously scheduled for Sept. 10 on ABC News — to be hosted by Fox News. The Trump campaign is also refusing to confirm a second debate until the Democratic Party officially nominates a candidate.
Harris accused Trump of “backpedaling” on the second debate and said she was ready and willing to debate the former president on Sept. 10 as previously planned. Fox News on Wednesday invited Harris and Trump for a Sept. 17 debate after Trump’s calls to switch to the GOP-friendly network. Harris hasn’t responded yet to that offer.
The Canvass K Street was conducted July 8-22 in partnership with independent public affairs firm LSG.
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