The Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) latest billboard campaign took a bold jab at former President Donald Trump, accusing him of being “chicken” for refusing to engage in a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The mobile billboard, featuring Trump’s face on a chicken, was deployed outside his rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on Monday, with additional billboards placed around the city.
This move is part of the DNC’s broader effort to highlight what they view as Trump’s reluctance to face Harris again after their first debate.
Abhi Rahman, deputy communications director at the DNC, suggested that Trump, once known for boasting about debating “anytime, anywhere,” was now avoiding Harris after she held him accountable for his record and agenda during their previous debate. The DNC sees Trump’s refusal as a clear retreat.
The pressure mounted after Harris formally accepted an invitation from CNN on Saturday for another debate. Harris campaign co-chair Jen O’Malley Dillon underscored that the format was identical to a CNN debate Trump previously praised, making his reluctance even more puzzling in the eyes of Harris’ team.
Trump, however, responded swiftly, dismissing the idea of a second debate with Harris. He explained that he had already participated in two debates, and with voting already underway, it was too late for another.
He also pointed out that Fox had offered a debate opportunity, which he said Harris declined. Trump framed Harris’ renewed interest in a debate with CNN as a desperate move due to her campaign’s struggles in the polls.
The DNC’s push to label Trump as “too scared” may energize Harris’ supporters, but Trump’s camp seems content with their debate record, positioning this refusal as a strategic decision rather than an avoidance of a showdown.
As election day nears, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts, with messaging—and tactics—becoming increasingly pointed.
