In response to criticism, Trump confirmed his participation in the September 10th debate against Harris, initially scheduled on ABC News. His initial doubts stemmed from accusations of bias against ABC News, which led Harris's team to release a humorous video featuring a rooster's crowing sounds, symbolizing cowardice.
Despite these concerns, Trump agreed to participate, citing ABC News's promise to uphold a "fair and just" debate. The rules would mirror those from his June 27 debate with Biden, where notes were prohibited and the microphone of the non-speaker was muted to prevent interruptions.
However, the Harris team remains silent on whether they will adhere to these rules for the September 10 debate. Given Trump's reputation for disruptive behavior, the Democratic camp might prefer to keep the microphones active at all times.
The ABC News bias accusations did not deter them, as they assured fairness during the September 10 encounter with Vice President Harris. Although Trump initially agreed to keep the microphones live at all times, this could change due to his advisors' influence.
Harris and her Vice Presidential running mate, Tim Walz, will be interviewed by CNN on Thursday, marking their first interview since Biden's departure and Harris's ascension as the presidential candidate. Trump has consistently accused his opponents of dodging interviews.
Major polls show Harris narrowly leading Trump, and former Republican presidents and presidential candidates have endorsed her campaign. Despite their contrasting views, they accentuate the need to reject the "untenable" alternative, Trump.
The September 10 debate will be the sole meeting between Harris and Trump before the November 5 election, with Trump proposing an earlier debate on September 4 on Fox News. However, Harris hasn't confirmed her participation in this debate but leaves the door open for potential change.
Control over debate rules, moderators, and other crucial details remains with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). The CPD has faced criticism for its handling, with the Biden campaign criticizing its bias and inability to enforce its own rules effectively.
- Enrichment Data:
- The September 10 debate will be the second meeting between Trump and an opponent during the election cycle. The first debate was hosted by CNN on June 27.
- ABC News will lead the moderation for the September 10 debate, with the moderators yet to be officially announced.
- The debate format includes a condition that candidates' microphones will be muted when not speaking, aiming to minimize crosstalk and interruptions.
- The Biden campaign has expressed dissatisfaction with the CPD's handling of debates, particularly regarding the timing and structure of the debates. They also criticize the commission for not enforcing its own rules effectively.
- The Trump campaign has not publicly addressed specific issues of bias and interruptions to the same extent as the Biden campaign. However, Trump has a history of being confrontational and interrupting during debates.
