Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have agreed to face off in a highly anticipated debate on September 10, with the rules largely reflecting those used in a previous CNN debate on June 27. However, the campaigns are still in discussions over key details, particularly the contentious issue of microphone muting.
Agreed Terms and Ongoing Negotiations
Trump announced on Truth Social that he has “reached an agreement” to participate in the ABC-hosted debate, noting that the rules will be similar to those of the CNN debate earlier this summer. This includes muting the microphones of candidates when it is not their turn to speak and not having a studio audience. A person familiar with the matter confirmed these terms to CNN, but the Harris campaign has not yet finalized the specifics, particularly the microphone rules.
A spokesperson for the Harris campaign issued a statement criticizing Trump for not insisting on unmuted microphones throughout the debate. “Both candidates have publicly made clear their willingness to debate with unmuted mics for the duration of the debate to fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates – but it appears Donald Trump is letting his handlers overrule him. Sad!” the statement read.
Despite this, Trump did not mention the microphone issue in his announcement, instead focusing on his agreement to the overall format of the debate. This follows a period of negotiations between the two campaigns, with Trump’s team reportedly preferring the CNN-style rules where microphones are muted except for the candidate speaking.
Debate Rules and Format
The rules for the upcoming debate include no studio audience, and both candidates will stand at identical podiums, with their positions determined by a coin flip. The 90-minute debate will have two commercial breaks, during which campaign staff will not be allowed to interact with the candidates. No props or pre-written notes are allowed, although candidates will be provided with a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.
Trump and Harris are also at odds over whether to participate in additional debates. Trump mentioned that Harris had declined an interview on Fox News scheduled for September 4 but suggested he would keep the date open in case she changes her mind. He also hinted at a potential third debate with NBC News, which the Harris campaign has yet to accept.
Implications for the Campaigns
This debate is poised to be a crucial moment in the 2024 presidential race, offering both candidates a significant platform to articulate their visions and challenge each other’s policies. With ongoing disputes over debate protocols, the lead-up to the event is generating significant attention, reflecting the high stakes for both campaigns.
The final details of the debate format may still change as negotiations continue, but the September 10 debate is set to be a defining moment in the campaign, with both candidates eager to make their case directly to the American people.
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