DNC Launches 'Chicken' Campaign to Entice Trump Back to Debate Stage with Harris 

In an effort to persuade Donald Trump to return to the debate stage with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to launch a new messaging campaign portraying the former president as a "chicken" for declining to participate in future debates.

The DNC's Campaign Strategy

The DNC's campaign will feature static and mobile billboards, with the first displaying a digitally altered image of Trump in a chicken suit, accompanied by the tagline, “There's no debate: Donald Trump’s a chicken.” These billboards are scheduled to debut at Trump’s rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on Monday. Initially, the DNC had planned to have staffers dressed in chicken suits attend Trump rallies as part of the campaign, but this aspect was later abandoned after being publicized.Trump and Harris engaged in their first debate this month in Philadelphia, where they debated issues such as immigration, inflation, and abortion. However, just two days post-debate, Trump declared on Truth Social, “There will be no third debate!”

Harris and Trump only faced each other on the debate stage once this election cycle; Trump had also debated President Joe Biden in June while still in the race. Importantly, Harris’ campaign announced her acceptance of CNN’s invitation to participate in a debate on October 23. Harris’s campaign co-chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized in a statement, “Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this debate. It is the same format and setup as the CNN debate he attended and said he won in June, when he praised CNN’s moderators, rules, and ratings.”

Interestingly, while the DNC, Harris, and Trump are gearing up for the debates, early voting has already commenced in states like Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota, as of last week. This aspect underscores the timeliness and relevance of the ongoing debates, as they coincide with the commencement of the voting period.

Election Cycle Dynamics and Debate Impact

It's worth noting that debates play a significant role in the electoral process, serving as platforms for candidates to articulate their positions and engage in public discourse. The outcome of these debates can significantly influence voter perceptions and decisions. Furthermore, the DNC's strategic use of billboards and media presence reflects a calculated effort to shape public perception and garner support.