ABC News has announced the rules for the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The debate, scheduled for September 10, will not have an audience present. Additionally, live microphones will be turned off when candidates are not speaking, and written notes will not be allowed.
The rules mirror those of the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, which was deemed disastrous for the incumbent Democrat. This upcoming debate may be the only opportunity for voters to witness Harris and Trump engage in a head-to-head discussion before the November general election.
There has been ongoing debate between the campaigns regarding the rules, particularly concerning the muting of microphones. Harris' campaign had pushed for live microphones throughout the debate to facilitate substantive exchanges between the candidates. On the other hand, Biden's campaign had insisted on muting microphones as a condition for participating in any debates this year.
The debate will last 90 minutes and will feature the candidates standing behind lecterns. There will be no opening statements, and candidates will not be allowed to bring notes. The event will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
