Former President Trump and running mate Sen. JD Vance are resolute in maintaining the agreed-upon debate rules with Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her campaign's attempts to alter them.
Former President Donald Trump's campaign has taken an unwavering stance against the Harris campaign's efforts to modify the debate rules for the upcoming ABC News presidential debate. The issue revolves around the use of muted microphones, with the Harris campaign seeking to remove this restriction.
The initial guidelines, established during the Biden-Trump campaign, stipulated that microphones would be muted when candidates were not speaking. However, the Harris campaign has since objected to this rule, asserting that it has yet to be finalized and remains subject to negotiation with ABC.
Trump Campaign Stands Firm on Debate Rules Amidst Harris Demands
Trump has expressed willingness to participate in an unmuted debate, but his handlers are said to be wary of allowing him to engage in live verbal sparring with Harris. As a result, they are urging ABC to disregard Trump's comments and adhere to the original agreement of muted microphones.
Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon has criticized the Trump camp's stance, deeming it "weak" and reiterating their commitment to negotiating with ABC on the final rules. Fallon believes both candidates have expressed a clear preference for live microphones and questions why Trump's staff is overruling his decision.
Trump Campaign Stands Firm on Debate Rules Amidst Harris Demands
In response, senior Trump advisor Jason Miller disputed Fallon's claims, asserting that the ABC debate rules are "set and finalized." Miller accused the Harris campaign of fabricating excuses to withdraw from the debate in the event of a poor performance by Harris in an upcoming CNN interview.
After President Biden's withdrawal from the race, the Harris campaign initially insisted on proceeding with the previously agreed-upon ABC presidential debate. However, several weeks after Trump acquiesced, they began advocating for rule changes, including live microphones throughout the event.
Trump Campaign Stands Firm on Debate Rules Amidst Harris Demands
Trump and his campaign have criticized the Harris camp's sudden demand for revisions. "The deal was that we keep the same rules, now all of a sudden they want to make a change in the rules," Trump stated.
Miller accused the Harris campaign of seeking to manipulate the debate format to benefit Harris. He cited their requests for a seated debate, notes, and opening statements, all of which were rejected by the Trump camp. Miller suggested that these maneuvers may be part of a strategy to avoid any direct confrontation with Trump.
The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump is scheduled to take place on ABC News on September 10. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations over debate rules remains uncertain, with both campaigns holding firm to their respective positions.
