Fox News invites Trump and Harris for September debate after Biden's withdrawal, Internet says 'no thanks'
WASHINGTON, DC: Fox News has extended an invitation to former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris for a debate scheduled on September 17 in Pennsylvania.
According to Nypost, the offer, conveyed in letters to both campaigns, emphasized Fox News' ability to secure town halls with Democratic candidates despite the absence of official debates in past election cycles.
Fox News extends debate invitation amid political momentum
"As you recall, despite not having a Democratic debate in 2016/2020, Fox News was able to secure town halls with Democratic candidates," Fox executive Jay Wallace wrote in a letter to Harris campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon that was obtained by The Post.
Wallace sent a nearly identical letter to Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles. The letter included a variety of stats boasting about Fox News being the ratings king in key timeslots.
Specifically, he suggested that Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum could host the verbal bout to “foster informed political dialogue.”
The timing of the debate proposal is intended to coincide with early voting getting underway in Pennsylvania and other battleground states, according to Wallace. “We are open to discussion on the exact date, format and location — with or without an audience,” Wallace stressed in the letter.
The Post reached out to both the Trump and Harris campaigns for comment.
Debate plans altered by change in presidential candidate
Harris, 59, previously agreed to a CBS vice presidential debate, though a date was never set and it has been thrust into uncertainty due to her ascension.
Trump, 78, had previously agreed to the ABC News against Biden. But upon Harris’ rapid ascension to presumptive Democratic nominee for president, he groused about it. ABC News’ debate had been slated for Sept 10.
“My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday.
“Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC. Thank you!”
Donald Trump's critique and commitment to debate
On Tuesday, Trump lashed out at Fox News for inviting Democratic Minnesota Gov Tim Walz on to speak about the state of the race.
“Why did Fox News put up Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, where I am leading? They make me fight battles that I shouldn’t have to fight!” he complained on Truth Social.
During a call with reporters Tuesday, Trump affirmed that he “absolutely” plans on debating Harris, who has clinched the delegates needed for the nomination.
“Oh yes, absolutely, I’d want to. I think it’s important. I’m not thrilled about ABC because they’re truly fake news,” he said when asked about debating Harris.
“I would be willing to do more than one debate, actually.”
Trump prided himself on his performance against Biden last month, which he suggested was the incumbent president’s political “ending.”
Public reaction sparks debate, doubts and expectations
Several social media users express skepticism and curiosity over proposed Fox News presidential debate plans.
One user wrote, " A presidential debate organized by Fox News????? What a JOKE!!!"
A presidential debate organized by Fox News????? What a JOKE!!!
— Beloved (@Beloved18617710) July 24, 2024
Another user added, "Kamala on Fox ? Good luck."
One added, "Shouldn’t they wait ‘til after nomination process?"
One commented, "Nope, Trump would have to debate Kamala as scheduled first, then maybe a debate on FoX."
Nope, Trump would have to debate Kamala as scheduled first, then maybe a debate on FoX
— Mike (@Mike0243) July 24, 2024
Another user added, "That'll be interesting as I don't think Kamala is the nominee after the convention. - They can still debate though!"
That'll be interesting as I don't think Kamala is the nominee after the convention.
— Constance Underfoot (@ConstanceProse) July 24, 2024
- They can still debate though!
One stated, "Another farce if they don’t invite @RobertKennedyJr."
Another replied, "is it before or after his sentencing ? would be unfair if he debates from a prison."
is it before or after his sentencing 🤔?
— Ɖusk (@69dogecoin) July 24, 2024
would be unfair if he debates from a prison
Lastly, one user said, "No thanks."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
