ABC News has released the official rules for the upcoming presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates have agreed to the format, which includes the unique provision of muting microphones while the other candidate is speaking.
A virtual coin flip was conducted to determine podium placement and the order of closing statements. Trump won the coin toss and opted to deliver the final closing statement, while Harris selected the right podium position on screen.
The issue of whether microphones would be cut was the final point of contention for the Harris campaign, as Trump's team had already agreed to the rules the previous week.
Over the weekend, Harris expressed her disappointment in Trump's decision, stating that he is surrendering to advisors who are preventing him from debating with a live microphone. She emphasized the importance of transparency in the debate process and advocated for keeping the microphones on throughout the event.
Trump, on the other hand, indicated at a recent campaign event that he was indifferent to the microphone situation, despite having agreed to the rules in advance.
The debate rules established by ABC News closely resemble those used in the previous presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Trump in June. At that time, it was the Biden campaign that had pushed for muted microphones.
In addition to the muted microphones, the rules for the upcoming debate stipulate that there will be no live audience, candidates cannot have written notes, staff members are prohibited from visiting during commercial breaks, and the candidates are not allowed to ask each other questions.
