News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
The upcoming U.S. presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has become contentious, with both campaigns clashing over key details. Trump, seeking his third term in office, has threatened to withdraw from the debate scheduled for September 10, citing concerns over perceived bias from the ABC network and potential changes to debate conditions. His remarks have sparked a heated response from Harris’s team, who are pushing for a more transparent debate format.
Trump’s criticism of ABC stems from his belief that the network is biased. In a late-night social media post, Trump questioned why he should debate Harris on ABC, suggesting the network’s fairness is compromised. His campaign has also criticized the proposed debate format, which involves keeping microphones on throughout the event, known as “hot mics,” rather than muting them when the opponent speaks—a practice from the previous presidential debate. Trump’s campaign manager, Jason Miller, argued that the terms should remain consistent with those of CNN’s June debate, which featured muted microphones. He emphasized that any changes to the agreed-upon rules would not be acceptable.
Conversely, Kamala Harris’s spokesperson, Brian Fallon, has called for an unmuted microphone format, arguing that it would hold Trump accountable for his statements and interruptions. Fallon contends that Harris is prepared to address Trump’s remarks in real-time and challenged Trump to stop avoiding direct confrontation by hiding behind the mute button. This stance reflects Harris’s confidence in her ability to handle Trump’s rhetoric without the need for moderated interruptions.
Trump himself has expressed a preference for keeping his microphone on, citing discomfort with the muted format used previously. He stated that he was not heavily preparing for the debate, as he believes his extensive experience and knowledge are sufficient. Trump’s approach to debate preparation remains largely unchanged, focusing on his long-term expertise rather than last-minute cramming.
The debate has been a point of contention following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside last month, leading to Harris securing the Democratic nomination. While Biden had advocated for earlier debates to enhance his campaign’s visibility, his underwhelming performance in the June 27 debate contributed to his decision to withdraw from the race. Trump had suggested an alternative debate hosted by Fox News on September 4, but Harris’s campaign rejected this proposal, preferring to adhere to the previously agreed debate format and date.
The debate between the vice presidential candidates, Republican Senator JD Vance and Democratic Governor Tim Walz, is scheduled for October 1 on CBS News, offering a further preview of the general election landscape. As the debate approaches, both campaigns continue to negotiate the terms and format, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition of the 2024 presidential race.
