Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her readiness to debate former President Donald Trump, accusing him of backpedaling from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10. Harris emphasized the importance of showcasing the differences between the candidates on the debate stage for voters.
The Sept. 10 debate was part of two agreed-upon debates between President Joe Biden and Trump. The first debate, hosted by CNN on June 27, was initially planned with Biden, who has since withdrawn from the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.
Trump has indicated a preference for shifting the debate to Fox News but has also shown willingness to engage in multiple debates with Harris. However, Harris did not address the possibility of Fox News hosting a debate.
A statement from the Trump campaign spokesperson highlighted that finalizing debate arrangements is contingent upon the Democrats formally selecting their nominee, leaving room for potential changes in plans.
Republican consultant Alex Conant underscored the significance of the upcoming debate, suggesting that it could play a decisive role in shaping voter perceptions. Conant noted that debates are crucial moments when voters pay close attention to the candidates.
This year's campaign has already demonstrated the impact of debates, with Biden's lackluster performance on June 27 leading to concerns about his viability for a second term. Subsequently, Biden's support within the Democratic Party waned, culminating in his decision to end his reelection bid on Sunday.
