Vice President Kamala Harris' team is reportedly looking for an excuse to avoid the upcoming ABC News presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, according to Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller. The Harris campaign has pushed to change the debate rules surrounding microphones, causing accusations that they are seeking a way out.
Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign is facing accusations of attempting to back out of the upcoming ABC News presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. The Harris team has been pushing to modify the rules regarding microphones during the debate, which is scheduled for September 10. This move has prompted allegations that they are seeking an "escape hatch."
Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller told Fox News that the Harris camp is "afraid" to confront former President Trump in a debate. He believes they know that Harris will be held accountable for her actions during the past three and a half years and are trying to avoid that scrutiny.
Harris' Campaign Seeks Escape from ABC Presidential Debate, Claims Trump Campaign
The Harris campaign has yet to sign off on the rules for the debate, which were initially intended to mirror those used in the CNN debate between Trump and President Biden in June. This has prompted speculation that they are looking for a way to avoid the debate altogether.
However, Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon claimed that the campaign has not agreed to the rules because both candidates have expressed a desire for "hot mics." He argued that Trump's staff is overruling him and that the campaign is "in discussions with ABC on the final rules."
Harris' Campaign Seeks Escape from ABC Presidential Debate, Claims Trump Campaign
Miller disputed this claim, asserting that the Harris campaign is aware of Harris' limitations after prepping her for the debate. He stated that they are now "looking for an escape hatch" because they realize they are in "real trouble."
Miller believes that the Harris camp is nervous about facing Trump, who he believes is a formidable debater. He suggested that they are seeking a way out of the debate to avoid further embarrassment.
Harris' Campaign Seeks Escape from ABC Presidential Debate, Claims Trump Campaign
Fox News reached out to the Harris campaign for comment, but there was no immediate response. ABC declined to comment.
In a separate statement to Fox News Digital, Miller said that the Harris team asked for changes to the agreed-upon rules, including a seated debate, notes, and opening statements. However, the Trump campaign refused, stating that "if Kamala Harris isn't smart enough to repeat the messaging points her handlers want her to memorize, that's their problem."
Harris' Campaign Seeks Escape from ABC Presidential Debate, Claims Trump Campaign
The debate is scheduled to take place on September 10 and will be moderated by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. It will be the first debate between Harris and Trump in the 2024 presidential election cycle.
