Trump Announces Debate with Kamala Harris on Fox News
In a surprising turn of events, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has confirmed an agreement with Fox News to host a debate with presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on September 4. This announcement comes as the Harris campaign insists on adhering to a previously scheduled debate with Trump on ABC.
Trump’s Statement on the Debate
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I have agreed with Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4. The Debate was previously scheduled against Sleepy Joe Biden on ABC, but has been terminated.” He cited ongoing litigation against ABC as a conflict of interest that led to this change.
Trump revealed that the debate will take place in Pennsylvania, with a specific location to be determined later. “The Moderators of the Debate will be Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, and the Rules will be similar to the Rules of my Debate with Sleepy Joe, who has been treated horribly by his Party—BUT WITH A FULL ARENA AUDIENCE!” he said.
Harris Campaign Responds
In reaction to Trump’s announcement, the Harris campaign accused him of evading the debate he previously committed to. Campaign communication director Michael Tyler stated, “Donald Trump is running scared,” suggesting that the former President is seeking an escape from facing Harris on September 10 as originally planned.
Tyler reiterated Harris’s commitment to the agreed schedule, stating, “The Vice President will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime time national audience.” He expressed openness to additional debates but insisted that the agreed-upon debate must take place first.
Harris’s Take on the Debate Situation
In a statement on social media, Harris remarked on Trump’s change of plans, saying, “It’s interesting how ‘any time, any place’ becomes ‘one specific time, one specific safe space.’ I’ll be there on September 10th, like he agreed to. I hope to see him there.” Harris appears resolute in holding Trump accountable for his commitments.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Previously, Trump and Biden had agreed to two presidential debates, with the first having been held in June and the second initially planned for September 10 on ABC. Following Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, Harris emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, having received crucial support from party delegates.
Harris has been solidifying her position, having been declared the party nominee for President by a majority of Democratic delegates in a virtual roll call vote. CBS News has extended invitations for both presidential and vice presidential debates to both campaigns in early September.
