Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded to former President Donald Trump, agreeing to his proposed terms for their upcoming debate. Set for September 10 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the debate promises to be a major television spectacle broadcast live on ABC.
Trump announced the agreement on his social media platform Truth Social, characterizing ABC as “FAKE NEWS” and labeling Harris as “Comrade Kamala.” The former president also criticized the network for its bias but expressed his satisfaction with the debate format which mirrors that of the previous CNN debate. According to Trump, the rules will be stringent: no notes or “cheat sheets” are allowed, aiming to ensure a direct and unmediated exchange between the candidates.
Harris declined an earlier debate scheduled for September 4, which was to be aired on Fox News. Trump’s post hinted at possible negotiations for a third debate, potentially on NBC, though nothing has been confirmed.
The latest development comes after intense negotiations between the Trump and Harris campaigns had hit a roadblock, primarily over the protocol of muting microphones when candidates are not speaking. The discussions were crucial in setting the stage for the upcoming debate over a controlled environment to ensure each candidate had a chance to present their case without interruption.
On Monday, tensions flared between Trump and Harris regarding the format of the debate. Harris’s team pushed for open microphones, diverging from earlier agreements, while Trump threatened to withdraw from the debate entirely. He accused the host network, ABC, of bias, complicating the pre-debate arrangements and casting uncertainty over the event’s structure.
“I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Carl’s(K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters, and I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?” Trump asked on Monday. “Will panelist Donna Brazil give the questions to the Marxist Candidate like she did for Crooked Hillary Clinton? Will Kamala’s best friend, who heads up ABC, do likewise. Where is Liddle’ George Slopadopolus hanging out now? Will he be involved. They’ve got a lot of questions to answer!!! Why did Harris turn down Fox, NBC, CBS, and even CNN? Stay tuned!!!”
As the 2024 presidential race barrels toward its conclusion, the candidates are ramping up their efforts in key battleground states. This week, former President Trump and Vice President Harris are neck-and-neck as they gear up for their crucial debate.
On the campaign front, Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), took the stage in Michigan today, focusing on economic issues that are vital to the battleground state’s voters. Meanwhile, Harris’ running mate, Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), is slated to join her on a bus tour starting tomorrow in Georgia, another pivotal state. Additionally, the Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, is drumming up support at a New York campaign reception. Both camps are in full swing, making a final push to sway undecided voters as Election Day looms closer.
