The Debate Dilemma: Harris Accepts Mic Muting Rule
As the presidential campaigns gear up for the next debate, a new rule has sparked controversy. The policy of muting microphones except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak has caused a stir in the political arena.
Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the rules set forth for the upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump. However, Harris has expressed concerns that the decision to mute microphones will put her at a disadvantage during the debate.
The debate over microphone muting seemed to have reached a resolution when Harris’ campaign sent a letter to host network ABC News accepting the rules. This decision clears the way for the debate scheduled at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10.
President Joe Biden’s campaign had initially pushed for muting microphones as a condition for participating in debates this year. However, some aides now regret this decision, citing Trump’s disruptive behavior in the past debate. This change in stance paved the way for Harris to advocate for live microphones throughout the debate for a more substantive exchange of ideas.
Despite concerns about the format disadvantaging Harris, her campaign chose to accept the rules proposed by ABC News to avoid the risk of Trump skipping the debate altogether. The official from Harris’ campaign revealed that a pool of journalists would be present to hear any remarks made while a candidate’s microphone is muted.
The network has outlined strict parameters for the debate, including a 90-minute duration, two commercial breaks, and only moderators asking questions. The moderators will enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion between the candidates.
In a solo town hall event, Trump expressed his preference for a debate with Harris over the town hall format. He criticized ABC News as “dishonest” and reiterated claims that Harris’ campaign would receive questions in advance. The upcoming debate in Philadelphia underscores the significance of battleground Pennsylvania in the upcoming election.
As the candidates prepare for the debate, the nation waits to see how this new rule on muting microphones will impact the exchange of ideas and the overall tone of the event.
Reporting by Price from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Contribution to this report by AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller.