Donald Trump reluctantly confirms ABC News debate with Kamala Harris, rules of event revealed
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday, August 27, that he will participate in a highly anticipated debate with Kamala Harris.
The announcement of agreeing to debate with the Vice President on September 10 comes amid his strong reservations about the event being moderated by ABC News.
Donald Trump calls ABC News 'most unfair newscaster'
Donald Trump made his debate confirmation in a Truth Social post where he called ABC News the “most unfair newscaster in the business.”
Referring to his rival as “Comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump said, “I have reached an agreement with the Radical Left Democrats."
The upcoming event scheduled for 9.00 pm local time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, marks the first time Trump and Harris will face off in a debate.
Presidential debate rules and conditions
The event will be conducted without a live audience, similar to the format of Donald Trump's debate with President Joe Biden on June 27, which was moderated by CNN.
Muting of microphones during opponent's responses and the banning of notes or "cheat sheets" are among the debate rules.
Trump emphasized that ABC News agreed to put on a “fair and equitable” debate, ensuring that questions will not be shared with the candidates in advance, reported CNN.
The 78-year-old politician's debate confirmation comes after speculations that he might withdraw from the event after he suggested on Monday, August 26, he should “shut out” ABC News to prevent the network from moderating the event.
Kamala Harris' campaign ends debate speculation
On August 15, Kamala Harris' campaign announced that it had concluded negotiations over the debate schedule, agreeing to a total of three debates - two between Harris and Trump and one between Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
While the date for the second presidential debate has not been finalized, Harris' team has indicated it will take place on NBC News in October.
Trump, however, claimed in his Tuesday post that Harris' team had not agreed to the October debate.
The Republican presidential nominee expressed frustration over the Democratic frontrunner's refusal to participate in a debate on Fox News.
"Harris would not agree to the FoxNews Debate on September 4th, but that date will be held open in case she changes her mind or, Flip Flops, as she has done on every single one of her long held and cherished policy beliefs," Trump wrote.
"A possible third Debate, which would go to NBC FAKE NEWS, has not been agreed to by the Radical Left," he added.
