WASHINGTON, USA: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has proposed a debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on Fox News, scheduled for September 4. This proposition has stirred controversy as the Harris campaign counters that Trump is attempting to back out of an already scheduled debate on ABC News. Trump stated on Truth Social that the debate rules would mirror those from his first debate with President Joe Biden, who has since withdrawn from his reelection bid. The debate is proposed to have a “full arena audience” and take place in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
The initial agreement between Trump and Biden for a second debate on ABC News was set for September 10. However, Trump has suggested moving it to Fox News, a network popular with his supporters. Kamala Harris, who secured the delegate votes necessary for the Democratic nomination for the November 5 election, affirmed her commitment to the original debate plan on ABC News. She responded to Trump’s proposal on social media, emphasizing her intention to participate in the agreed-upon debate on September 10, questioning Trump’s commitment to the debate.
Harris spokesperson Michael Tyler accused Trump of “running scared” and reiterated the Harris campaign’s willingness to discuss further debates post-September 10. In contrast, Trump accused Harris of being “afraid to do it” and maintained his stance for a September 4 debate on Fox News.
Adding to the tension, Trump, at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, attacked Harris’ racial identity. He suggested that Harris downplayed her Black heritage, despite her self-identification as both Black and Asian, having Indian and Jamaican heritage. He further mocked her by claiming there were “19 different ways” to pronounce her first name and calling her a “lunatic.”
The debate’s fate remains uncertain. ABC News outlined qualification requirements for the debate, which include proving polling support and state ballot access by September 3. Recent polls indicate a tight race between Harris and Trump, who had a more significant lead over Biden after the first debate. ABC News did not comment on whether Trump had officially dropped out of the debate.
Fox News has not responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s proposal. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee launched an advertising campaign on Friday, accusing Trump of being “afraid to debate” and questioning if his hesitation is related to his stance on abortion.
David Plouffe, an adviser to former President Barack Obama who recently joined the Harris campaign, criticized Trump’s proposal, suggesting he seeks the comfort of his “happy place” on Fox News rather than facing a broader audience. This sentiment was echoed by former President Jimmy Carter, who expressed his intention to support Harris, highlighting the age difference between the candidates—Trump at 78 and Harris at 59.
As the debate saga unfolds, the political climate remains charged, with both campaigns preparing for potential face-offs that could significantly impact the upcoming election.
