US: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to engage in a highly anticipated prime-time debate on September 10, as announced by ABC News. This 90-minute event, expected to take place in Philadelphia, represents a critical juncture in what has been a highly unpredictable presidential campaign.
The report confirmed the debate through a post on X, previously known as Twitter, following Trump’s declaration that he is open to debating his Democratic opponent multiple times before the November election. “We believe there should be three debates,” Trump suggested, proposing two additional debates to be hosted.
Harris, while attending an event in Michigan, confirmed her participation in the ABC debate and expressed her willingness to consider additional debates.
The debate will be moderated by anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. Though the specific format and rules are still being finalized, it is likely that the debate will proceed without a live audience, according to sources.
Interestingly, Trump proposed three debates to be held on major networks: September 4 with Fox News, September 10 with NBC, and September 25 with ABC. However, Harris has only agreed to the September 10 debate. Her reasons for declining the other proposed dates remain undisclosed.
The debate on ABC will be moderated by David Muir, anchor and managing editor of "World News Tonight," alongside Linsey Davis, anchor of "ABC News Live Prime."
“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump, and we have set the date for September 10. I understand he has committed, and I’m eager to participate," Harris said during an event in Detroit.
Earlier this year, Trump, the Republican candidate, participated in a debate with President Joe Biden in June. Another debate was scheduled for September 10, but Biden withdrew from the presidential race following a poor performance in the first debate, paving the way for Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
The confirmation of the ABC debate concludes a series of discussions between the Trump and Harris campaigns that began after Biden’s exit from the race.
Trump had previously expressed interest in having a debate hosted by the conservative Fox News network in Pennsylvania, though the specific location was not confirmed.
At a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump reiterated his desire for two additional debates on September 4 with Fox News and September 25 with NBC.
Trump also mentioned that CBS will host a debate between the vice-presidential nominees, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz.
Meanwhile, NBC News is reportedly in discussions with both campaigns about a potential debate later this fall, as reported by The New York Times.
Fox News sent formal invitations to both campaigns last month, proposing a September debate in Pennsylvania. However, Harris’s campaign insisted that Trump must first commit to the ABC debate before confirming any further events.
Trump criticized Harris for avoiding interviews and reporter questions since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee just over two weeks ago, questioning her competence and intelligence.
Later on Thursday, Harris informed reporters that she has instructed her team to schedule an interview before the end of the month.
Trump’s press conference comes amid reports of pressure on his campaign from a rejuvenated Democratic base under Harris, who has been dominating recent headlines.
Polls from both national and battleground states suggest that Harris’s campaign has gained momentum in recent days, although the race remains tight.
Despite denying that his campaign has "recalibrated" to focus on Harris instead of Biden, Trump bristled when questioned about the crowds Harris draws at rallies, arguing that his own rallies attract larger audiences.
This press conference marks Trump’s first in several months, as his campaign has concentrated on rallies across the nation.
Trump also praised his running mate JD Vance, who has faced criticism for past controversial remarks about women and leadership.
“I have to say, JD Vance has really risen to the occasion,” Trump said. “He’s doing an outstanding job.”
Trump also criticized Harris’s record on immigration and economic issues, and reiterated his belief that U.S. presidents should influence interest rates and monetary policy, a departure from the tradition of the independent U.S. Federal Reserve managing these matters.
He highlighted his priorities of reducing inflation, lowering crime rates, and strengthening the military.
In Detroit, Harris addressed members of the United Auto Workers, thanking them for their support and urging them to stay focused with just “89 days to go” before the election.
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