Democrats are mocking Donald Trump for his decision to skip a second debate with Kamala Harris, labeling him a "chicken." The Harris campaign intensified its jabs on Friday, asserting that the Republican nominee owes it to the voters to engage in another matchup. Trump announced on Thursday that he would not participate in a third debate, just two days after a contentious encounter in Philadelphia where Harris challenged him on various topics, including the attendance at his rallies. The former president's refusal to debate has drawn criticism from Harris and her supporters, who argue that he should face her again to provide clarity to the electorate.

Republicans are pointing fingers at Laura Loomer, a right-wing conspiracy theorist, for Donald Trump's controversial remarks during a recent debate. Trump made headlines when he repeated an unfounded claim that Haitian immigrants were allegedly consuming pet cats and dogs. This bizarre assertion has been widely discredited by authorities in Springfield, Ohio, where the rumor originated. Loomer, who has been identified as a significant promoter of this false narrative, accompanied Trump on his private plane to the debate in Philadelphia. Her influence is being scrutinized as party members reflect on Trump's performance, which many consider to have been poorly executed. The situation has sparked discussions within the Republican Party about the impact of conspiracy theories on their messaging and public perception.

Veteran GOP pollster Frank Luntz has made a bold prediction regarding Donald Trump's campaign, suggesting it may be nearing its end after what he described as a "very close" to the worst debate performance in history. Following Trump's "pretty negative performance" during the recent debate, Luntz expressed his belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to secure the presidency in the upcoming November election.

Russian television hosts have suggested that Donald Trump was "sabotaged" during his recent debate performance against Kamala Harris. One of the hosts argued that the moderators' efforts to fact-check Trump's inaccurate statements regarding Haitian immigrants demonstrated a bias against him.

**Elections 2024 Live Updates: Trump and Harris Share a Moment at 9/11 Ceremony Following Heated Debate** In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris exchanged a handshake during a 9/11 memorial ceremony, just hours after a contentious debate in Philadelphia. The previous night had been challenging for Trump, who faced significant criticism during the debate. Adding to his troubles, pop superstar Taylor Swift publicly declared her endorsement for Harris, further energizing the Vice President's campaign. The endorsement marks a notable shift in the political landscape as both candidates gear up for the upcoming election.

Trump declared that it was his "best debate ever" as he hurried to the spin room, a move that many interpreted as an indication of a challenging night. Meanwhile, Harris took the opportunity to challenge the former president to a second debate.