Former President Donald Trump has stirred the political pot by announcing a potential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, set for September 4.
According to Trump, this face-off will occur in a Pennsylvania arena. However, Harris has not yet confirmed her participation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “I have agreed with Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4.” He further claimed that the previously scheduled ABC News debate on September 10 is no longer on the table due to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Trump also pointed out a conflict of interest, alleging that he’s in litigation against ABC and its anchor George Stephanopoulos, whom Trump has mockingly called “Slopadopoulos.”
Trump stated that the debate would take place in Pennsylvania, though the exact location is still up in the air. He also mentioned that Fox News’ Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum would moderate the event.
Trump promised that the debate rules would be similar to those from his previous debate in Atlanta but with a major addition: a full arena audience.
He even hinted that if Harris doesn’t show up, he might opt for a Fox News town hall instead.
Pennsylvania, which was a key swing state in the 2020 election, has been in the spotlight recently, especially after a dramatic incident where Trump was nearly assassinated at a rally in Butler on July 6.
The state might also be significant for Harris if Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent figure, is chosen as her vice presidential pick.
Harris Responds to Trump’s Debate Strategy
Harris has publicly criticized Trump for his indecision about the ABC debate. She expressed readiness for a debate following a proposal from Fox News for a September 17 showdown.
After Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, Harris has secured enough delegate votes to clinch the Democratic nomination, though Trump questioned her support and noted that former President Barack Obama was initially slow to endorse her.
Harris has called out Trump for his wavering commitment and challenged him to meet her face-to-face if he has something to say.
Trump’s Shifting Debate Plans
Despite initially agreeing to a debate with Biden on September 10, Trump has now shifted his focus to a debate with Harris.
He has criticized ABC as “fake news” and expressed a preference for having the debate aired on Fox News.
Trump’s campaign has suggested that the final debate details cannot be settled until the Democrats officially name their nominee, which will happen at the Democratic National Convention from August 19 to 22.
In the meantime, Trump’s campaign communications director Steven Cheung has argued that Democrats might still change their nominee and that scheduling a debate with Harris could be premature.
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