ABC News Announces Debate Rules for Harris vs. Trump Showdown

The upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is already generating buzz as new rules have been set in place to ensure a fair and controlled exchange of ideas. ABC News, the host network, has shared the guidelines with both campaigns, including the absence of an audience, live microphones when candidates aren’t speaking, and no written notes allowed.

The highly anticipated debate, scheduled for September 10th, is the only one firmly scheduled at this time and could be the only opportunity for voters to see Harris and Trump face off before the November general election. The rules mirror those of the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, which was deemed disastrous for the incumbent Democrat.

The debate rules have sparked controversy, with Harris’ campaign advocating for live microphones throughout the debate to allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates. On the other hand, Biden’s campaign had insisted on muting microphones as a condition for accepting any debates this year, a decision that some aides now regret.

The back-and-forth over the debate rules has intensified, with Harris’ campaign questioning why Trump’s handlers keep insisting on muting him despite the candidate’s wishes. Representatives for Trump have also raised concerns about Harris seeking a seated debate with notes and opening statements, specifications that her campaign has denied.

With the debate set to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, all eyes will be on the candidates as they go head to head in a 90-minute showdown. The stakes are high, and the rules are set – now it’s up to Harris and Trump to make their case to the American people.