Trump Undercuts Debate Setup as Harris Campaign Pushes for Open Microphones
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has raised questions about the upcoming debate rules ahead of his face-off against Vice President Kamala Harris next month. As the preparations heat up, both candidates are gearing up for what could be a critical moment in the lead-up to the elections.
Debate Rules in Question
Trump’s campaign initially sought to keep the same microphone rules as were enforced during his first debate with President Joe Biden. The team’s preference would have mics muted when a candidate is not speaking, a setup designed to prevent interruptions and maintain order during the debate. However, in recent comments, Trump has seemingly shifted his viewpoint, suggesting he now prefers for mics to remain on throughout the debate.
On Monday, Trump responded to a reporter’s query regarding the microphone setup, stating, “We agreed to the same rules… I’d rather have it probably on, but the agreement was that it would be the same as it was last time.” This statement indicates a possible relaxation of his team’s earlier stance, potentially complicating negotiations with the Harris campaign.
Harris Campaign’s Position
The Harris campaign is now calling for all microphones to remain live during the debate, contrasting with their previous request for muted mics during the June debate. Michael Tyler, a communications director for Harris, indicated that the microphone issue had been “resolved” following Trump’s comments. He noted that Trump’s preference for open mics removes any tension surrounding the debate rules.
“Unless Donald Trump allows his handlers to overrule him, we’ll have a fulsome debate… with live microphones,” Tyler added. He emphasized the importance of both candidates being able to present their visions for the country openly.
Back and Forth Over Debate Planning
Despite Trump’s relaxed stance on the microphones, issues still remain regarding the overall debate format. Trump’s campaign previously stated that they accepted the debate on the same terms as a prior CNN debate. Senior adviser Jason Miller accused the Harris camp of trying to change the rules, suggesting they sought a seated debate with access to notes, which they subsequently denied.
Miller stated, “Enough with the games. We accepted the ABC debate under the exact same terms as the CNN debate.” His remarks indicate that the Trump campaign believes the agreements should remain unchanged. The Harris team, however, has refuted the claims about seeking access to notes, highlighting the growing tension surrounding the debate logistics.
Preparing for the Debate
As the debate date approaches, both candidates are engaged in practice sessions. Harris is set to make campaign stops in Georgia while focusing on her preparation. Trump, on the other hand, has reportedly recruited Tulsi Gabbard, one of Harris’ former rivals in the Democratic primary, to help with his debate prep. Their previous exchanges during the 2020 debates have raised eyebrows about Gabbard’s role in shaping Trump’s approach to the upcoming encounter.
Trump’s Debate Approach
Despite the intensity of the preparations, Trump claims he is not investing too much time in rehearsing for the debate. He remarked, “I’m not spending a lot of time on it, I think my whole life I’ve been preparing for a debate.” He explained that he believes it is more important to know the material rather than try to cram information in a short time frame.
As the debate nears, all eyes will be on how both Trump and Harris navigate this contentious political landscape and the rules governing their encounter. The shift in Trump’s position about the microphone rules, alongside the Harris campaign’s strong advocacy for open mics, suggests a dynamic exchange could take place, shaping this pivotal moment in the election season.
