Staff Reports
The upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is shaping up to be an electrifying showdown, as the stage is set for a clash of ideologies—one steeped in progressive rhetoric and the other grounded in populist vigor. Hosting the event will be ABC News, where the rules appear to be as familiar as a dad’s favorite pair of jeans. Surprisingly, those rules remain largely unchanged from the last epic encounter, where Trump managed to shine despite the so-called “innovations” designed to stifle his brilliance.
Those muting microphones from the last debate? They’re back. Originally introduced at the behest of Biden’s team to dampen Trump’s thunderous replies, they proved a double-edged sword that ultimately benefited him. Now, instead of learning from this misstep, the Harris campaign came armed with a request to keep microphones live for the entire debate. But in a classic case of ‘try and fail,’ Trump’s crew isn’t entertaining any fresh ideas. The final say has landed once again with those handy-dandy mute buttons, ensuring that the fire-breathing Trump can only take the spotlight when it’s his turn—unless, of course, he gets fed up and shatters the silence with that roar of his.
Washington Examiner: The rules for Harris and Trump’s ABC presidential debate https://t.co/z3YDXLMw7w
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) September 9, 2024
As for who gets to ask the hard-hitting questions? It won’t be the candidates themselves. Instead, ABC’s Muir and Davis will take center stage, pulling questions straight from the ether, leaving both contenders holding their breaths. Forget about opening statements, because we’re all about brevity here—Harris will lead off with a two-minute closing statement, while Trump, winning the coveted coin toss, will get the last word. Just imagine the look on Harris’s face as Trump saunters forth to nail his punchline after she has her say.
Kamala Harris' campaign is looking for an "escape hatch" ahead of next Tuesday's ABC News presidential debate, Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller told Fox News.
Harris' team has notably pushed to tweak the rules surrounding microphones during the debate, slated for Sept.… pic.twitter.com/K5z08vOnvs
— DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) September 1, 2024
The venue is the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where Harris will strut her stuff from the right side of your TV, and Trump will take the left. And just to ramp up the drama, there isn’t a single audience member present, which is a blessing in disguise for Harris, who could use all the support she can get—invisible or otherwise. It also puts added pressure on her to keep up with Trump, who thrives on the energy of crowds and the thrill of live performances.
Both candidates are banned from bringing props or pre-written notes to the debate, which, let’s be honest, does make one wonder what Harris will scribble on her notepad during the conversation. Presumably, it will be a list of ways to avoid talking about her record as Vice President. The debate will span a torturous 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks where campaign advisors won’t even be able to whisper strategy to their candidates—because nothing says ‘civilized discussion’ like a couple of talking heads glued to their podiums, itching to out-talk each other.
The debate airs live at 9 p.m. Eastern on ABC and its streaming siblings, with viewers set to witness the verbal fireworks. Leading up to the next electoral face-off between the vice presidential candidates, this showdown promises to be a must-see event for anyone remotely interested in the future of the country—especially those tired of the same old liberal talking points. It might not quite be a Hollywood blockbuster, but the stakes are high and the antics? Absolutely worth tuning in for.
