Kamala Harris' campaign has expressed dissatisfaction with the muted mics rule set for the upcoming presidential debate with Donald Trump. The rule stipulates that candidates' microphones will be muted when it is not their turn to speak, a provision that Harris' team has been vocal about opposing.
Despite initially resisting the rule, Harris' campaign reluctantly accepted it earlier this week. However, they continue to voice concerns that the muted mics could potentially hinder Harris' performance during the debate.
As Harris prepares for the debate in Pittsburgh alongside her advisers, addressing the issue of muted mics has become a key focus for her team. They believe that the rule limits Harris' ability to engage in direct confrontations and questioning, which are considered some of her strongest political assets.
Supporters of Harris have highlighted her past moments in committee hearings, such as questioning Brett Kavanaugh and Bill Barr, as examples of her effective communication style. The campaign had hoped that Harris could showcase similar skills during the upcoming debate, particularly in responding to and challenging Trump in real-time.
Additionally, Harris' team had anticipated that the open microphones would expose Trump's perceived erratic behavior, aiming to contrast it with Harris' more composed approach. They expressed concerns that muting the mics might inadvertently present Trump in a more controlled and disciplined light than his actual demeanor.
With the debate fast approaching, Harris' campaign is strategizing on how to navigate the challenges posed by the muted mics rule while aiming to leverage Harris' strengths in engaging with her opponent.