Trump Declares He’ll Only Debate Harris on Fox News After Prolonged ABC News Event Discussions
In recent developments in political news, Former President Donald Trump has now declared that he will not participate in a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris unless it is aired on Fox News, following weeks of intense negotiations over a previously planned ABC News event. This marks the latest development in the public back-and-forth between the two campaigns as they strategize on the critical details of their prospective face-off.
The Trump-Harris Debate Saga
Trump’s renewed commitment to a specific venue for the debate was declared through his regular activity on his Truth Social platform. His definitive stance read, “I’ll see her on September 4th or, I won’t see her at all.”
Trump reiterated his stance at a recent rally in Georgia, stating to the crowd, “We’re doing one with Fox, if she shows up.” He added further that he didn’t think Vice President Harris would attend, arguing that she “can read a teleprompter” but struggles to speak off the cuff.
This announcement follows on the heels of Trump’s withdrawal from a formerly agreed-upon debate hosted by ABC News on September 10. His commitment to that event was made in May, following exchanges with then Presidential Candidate, President Joe Biden, about their readiness to engage in debate at any time and place.
Harris’s Reply to Trump’s Decision
Vice President Harris responded to Trump’s recent actions by drawing attention to his previous willingness to debate “any time, any place.” She stated, “It’s interesting how ‘any time, any place’ becomes ‘one specific time, one specific safe space.’” She affirmed her intent to attend the previously agreed upon September 10 ABC News event, stating, “I hope to see him there.”
A source close to the matters stated that ABC News is planning to provide airtime to whichever candidate shows up for the debate, even if it ends up being only Harris, although ABC News was unreachable for comment.
Current Debate Situation on Campaign Fronts
Trump continues to argue for a debate under his chosen circumstances, which would feature a “full arena audience.” His campaign has been trading taunts and digs with the Harris team as both sides attempt to shape the narrative around the proposed event, with Trump focusing on disparaging his opponent’s intelligence.
Trump’s withdrawal calls into question whether there will ultimately be a debate. Trump had previously skipped all the Republican primary debates on the grounds that his stature and polling status rendered attendance unnecessary. He seems to now apply this logic to the question of debating Harris.
The former President commented that the ABC News debate could not happen since Biden was no longer the nominee, also citing ongoing litigation against the network.
On her side, Harris has been countering with taunts and encouraging Trump to keep his commitment to the debate he agreed to with Biden. “If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” she said during a speech in Atlanta.
The constant back-and-forth between the two camps leaves the final verdict on the debate in doubt, making its course a subject of keen interest for political observers and the general public alike.
