It’s barely two weeks before the scheduled debate between GOP nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and both candidates are complaining about the previously agreed upon terms.
Trump is under fire for suggesting that he might bail on the September 10 debate, which is supposed to be hosted by ABC News. On August 25, Trump let loose on Truth Social, decrying the outlet as “fake news” and wondering “why” he would ever debate his opponent “on that network.”
The controversial Republican then told his followers to “stay tuned.” Originally, Trump was supposed to debate President Joe Biden on that day, but he was since replaced by his vice president, and Harris later agreed to do the ABC debate, after being widely criticized for appearing to shy away from media appearances.
But now Trump is the one seemingly wavering on the event, stirring up more drama ahead of the looming November 5 election. In a statement, his spokesperson Jason Miller said that Trump’s hesitation is related to Harris’ alleged backing out of the previously agreed upon terms.
Miller emphasized that the campaigns agreed to “no changes” and claimed it was “their problem” if Harris “isn’t smart enough” to spit out “messaging points” from her “handlers.” The spokesperson echoed sentiments shared by Trump himself when he said the campaign is not permitting Harris to “do interviews” or “press conferences” and are now seeking to provide a “cheat-sheet for the debate.”
He further accused the Harris campaign of “looking for a way” to evade the debate opportunity, adding that she is not in “any way” prepared to be president. Another statement from the Harris campaign explained that the two sides are at odds with each other over microphone rules.
According to spokesperson Brian Fallon, the campaign has informed news outlets of their belief that “both candidates’ mics should be live” even when the other person is talking. He added that this stands in contrast to “Trump’s handlers” who are in favor of muting microphones when the other is speaking, adding Trump should not be “hiding behind the mute button.”
