Trump Claims Harris Agreed to September 10 Debate; Democrats Deny Assertion
Washington, D.C.: Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign swiftly refuted former President Donald Trump’s claim on Tuesday when he said “She’s not competent enough to do it on her own”. that both parties had agreed to a debate on September 10. According to a Harris campaign official, discussions with host network ABC are ongoing, and no agreement has been finalized, as reported by Reuters.
Earlier that day, Trump took to social media, asserting that an agreement had been reached and that the debate rules would mirror those of the June 27 CNN debate he participated in with President Joe Biden. Trump, whose performance in that debate was widely criticized, claimed the upcoming debate would be conducted with candidates standing, without the use of notes or “cheat sheets.” He also mentioned assurances from ABC that the debate would be “fair and equitable,” with neither side receiving questions in advance.
Notably, Trump’s post omitted any mention of whether the debate would feature a live audience, a detail that had been a point of contention in prior debates.
Microphone Policy Sparks Dispute
The Harris campaign clarified that the terms of the debate remain unsettled. Both candidates have expressed a willingness to debate with unmuted microphones to ensure a comprehensive exchange of ideas. However, the Harris team suggested that Trump might be succumbing to pressure from his advisers, remarking, “Sad!”—a jab at Trump’s frequent use of the word in past statements.
On Monday, the campaigns clashed over the debate format, with Harris’ team advocating for open microphones throughout the debate, a departure from the previous format where microphones were muted while the opponent spoke. Trump’s team initially agreed to closed microphones, but Trump later stated his preference for open mics during the debate, despite earlier indications to the contrary. The use of so-called “hot mics” can be a double-edged sword for political figures, as they sometimes capture unintentional remarks not meant for public consumption.
Harris to Give First Interview Since Presidential Bid Launch
Meanwhile, Harris is scheduled to sit down with CNN for her first interview since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race. She will appear alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in an interview with CNN anchor Dana Bash, set to air on Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The interview will take place in Savannah, Georgia.
Harris has faced criticism for not holding news conferences or granting interviews since Biden stepped aside on July 21. Trump’s campaign has been tracking the number of days Harris has gone without a media appearance, and on Tuesday, they mocked the upcoming interview, noting it was a joint appearance, and derisively suggesting, “She’s not competent enough to do it on her own.”
