The dispute between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris over their upcoming presidential debate has intensified, with both candidates accusing each other of attempting to avoid the face-off. Trump has proposed a new debate on Fox News on September 4 in Pennsylvania, citing a conflict of interest with ABC due to an ongoing lawsuit. He stated, ‘I will see her on September 4 or I will not see her at all,’ adding that the rules would be similar to his previous debate with Joe Biden, but with a full arena audience.Harris’s campaign, however, has firmly rejected this proposal, insisting on adhering to the originally scheduled ABC debate on September 10. Michael Tyler, Harris’s campaign communications director, accused Trump of ‘running scared’ and trying to avoid the agreed-upon debate by ‘seeking refuge in Fox’. Harris herself responded to Trump’s proposal, saying, ‘It’s interesting how ‘any time, any place’ becomes ‘one specific time, one specific safe space”.The controversy has led to personal attacks, with Trump calling Harris a ‘low-IQ individual’ who is ‘mentally incapable’ of debating him. Trump has also made controversial comments about Harris’s racial identity. Harris, in turn, has challenged Trump to ‘stop playing games and attend the debate on October 10th on ABC’.Both campaigns have suggested they may proceed with individual appearances if an agreement isn’t reached. ABC News has indicated they will provide airtime to whichever candidate attends the September 10 debate, even if it’s only Harris.This debate controversy comes in the wake of Harris securing the Democratic Party’s nomination after President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race. Recent polls show a tight contest between Harris and Trump, adding to the significance of this potential debate.The situation remains fluid, with both candidates seemingly at an impasse over the debate terms. As the election approaches, the pressure to reach an agreement and provide voters with a direct comparison of the candidates is likely to intensify.
Key points
- Trump has proposed a debate on Fox News on September 4, while Harris insists on the original ABC debate on September 10.
- Both candidates have accused each other of trying to avoid the debate, with Trump questioning Harris’s mental capacity and Harris calling Trump ‘afraid’.
- The dispute has escalated to personal attacks, raising doubts about whether a debate will actually occur.
- Recent polls show a tight race between Harris and Trump, increasing the importance of a potential debate.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the exact dates proposed for the debate.
Some sources mention September 4 and 10, while others mention October 10.
👾Trump’s reasons for proposing a new debate date vary across sources, from citing a conflict of interest with ABC to claiming it’s more convenient before early voting begins.
