Vice President Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules Despite Disadvantages

Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the rules set forth for next week’s debate with former President Donald Trump, despite concerns that the decision to mute microphones during the matchup may put her at a disadvantage. The debate, scheduled for September 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, seemed to have reached a resolution after Harris’ campaign sent a letter to host network ABC News accepting the conditions.

The decision to mute microphones, except for the candidate speaking, was a condition set by President Joe Biden’s campaign for accepting any debates this year. However, Harris’ campaign had previously advocated for live microphones throughout the debate to allow for more substantive exchanges between the candidates. In the letter obtained by The Associated Press, Harris’ advisers expressed concerns that the format would shield Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President, potentially putting her at a disadvantage.

Despite these concerns, Harris’ campaign ultimately agreed to the rules proposed by ABC to avoid jeopardizing the debate. The network outlined various parameters for the debate, including a 90-minute duration with two commercial breaks, and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis being the only ones allowed to ask questions.

The upcoming debate holds significant importance, especially in battleground Pennsylvania, where 19 Electoral College votes are up for grabs in the November election. Trump, during a town hall with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, expressed his preference for a debate with Harris over the town hall format, reiterating his criticism of ABC as a “dishonest” and “unfair” network.

With the stage set for the highly anticipated debate, both candidates are gearing up for what promises to be a crucial and closely watched event in the lead-up to the November election.