Staff Reports
In what seems like a rare moment of clarity for ABC News, they are preparing for the upcoming Trump-Harris debate, tentatively scheduled for September 10. Yes, you read that right—ABC, the same network that has swung from left to far-left faster than a cable news ticker, is tossing some curves their way. The newly announced rules appear to actually favor Donald Trump, as he faces off against Kamala Harris, who must be sweating bullets at the thought of rules being bent in the other direction.
In previous debates, Trump has had a mixed bag of performances. His showdown with Hillary Clinton in 2016 could be described as a masterclass in exploiting her many weaknesses. Fast forward to 2020, and it feels less like a masterclass and more like a master mess. Many conservative commentators suspect that Trump was battling more than just his opponent that night; his odd behavior suggested he might have been wrestling with COVID-19 without anyone realizing it. The last thing any American wants to see is a candidate coming off as less than competent, which is why the muted microphone rule from last June’s debate seems to be a stroke of genius.
OMG, Did ABC News Just Do Right by Trump?
JUST IN: ABC News *REJECTS* Kamala Harris' Last Minute Request to Change Debate Format
ABC News has refused Vice President Kamala Harris' request for fully unmuted microphones during her September 10 debate with former President Donald… pic.twitter.com/c5djhG6VyZ
— Did I Piss You Off? (@DIPYOMUCH) August 29, 2024
Fast forward to the current debate preparations, where a recently leaked email reveals that both candidates will be allowed only a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water on stage. That’s right—no cheat sheets for Harris. The rules draw a clear line in the sand: it seems ABC is determined to keep the playing field level, which, frankly, could put Harris in a tight spot. Without her beloved notes, the Vice President will need more than just her usual scripted lines.
While many conservative Americans might be applauding this apparent shift, they certainly know that it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. With anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis likely poised to throw softballs to Harris while hurling fastballs at Trump, this setup is reminiscent of a rigged carnival game. The stage might look equal, but the way the questions will be funneled could easily tip the debate in favor of the Democrats.
The anticipation for this debate is palpable, and while some might think this would give Harris the motivation to step up her game, her track record suggests otherwise. With her neediness for external prompts and prepared notes stripped away, one can only wonder if she will craft another excuse to avoid the stage altogether. It’s hard not to chuckle at the thought of her bouncing off the walls, desperately seeking a way out of this debate.
As the countdown continues to the debate, conservative Americans are ready for some entertainment, and not the kind Harris usually brings. The notion that she might actually have to engage in an unscripted debate against Trump gives a glimmer of hope that this time around, things might just go his way—assuming, of course, that the broadcasting bias doesn’t send him careening off course once again. The stage is set, and let’s hope it leads to an unforgettable showdown between two very different political worlds.
