Kamala Harris’ campaign came under fire Thursday after attempting to modify the rules for an upcoming debate against President Donald Trump. The campaign’s efforts to push back against ABC News’ established debate guidelines, including muted microphones while opponents speak, sparked widespread criticism.
ABC News Chief Counsel Eric Lieberman had informed both campaigns that the September 10 debate would follow the same rules as the June CNN debate. These guidelines stipulated that candidates would have their microphones muted during their opponent’s speaking time, would not be allowed to use notes, and that there would be no audience.
However, Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon claimed that the Trump team insisted on keeping the microphones muted because they were concerned about Trump’s ability to perform in an unmuted debate. Fallon’s remarks implied that the Harris campaign was under pressure to accept the rules to prevent the debate from being canceled.
The response to Fallon’s comments was swift and pointed. Ben Shapiro, Editor Emeritus of The Daily Wire, accused the Harris campaign of cowardice, urging them to stop “manufacturing excuses to avoid debates.” Commentary Magazine’s John Podhoretz also weighed in, accusing Fallon of being “dishonest and disingenuous.”
The controversy over the debate rules has only increased the scrutiny on the Harris campaign as they prepare for the high-stakes event. With accusations of avoidance and manipulation swirling, the issue of fair debate practices has become a central point of contention in the 2024 presidential race.
