Kamala Harris’ campaign has agreed to the terms for next week’s presidential debate with former President Donald Trump, including the provision that candidates’ microphones will be muted when not speaking.
Despite reservations about this format, which they argue might disadvantage Harris, the campaign agreed to avoid jeopardizing the debate’s occurrence.
In a letter to ABC News, the Harris campaign expressed concerns that the muted mics rule would shield Trump from direct exchanges, potentially giving him an unfair advantage. They noted that Harris, a former prosecutor, might be at a disadvantage in such a format.
ABC News confirmed that both campaigns had agreed to the debate rules, which include provisions for moderating interruptions and ensuring clarity for viewers.
The network also assured that if significant cross talk occurs, the mics might be turned on to allow the public to follow the debate.
Donald Trump, who previously accepted the debate rules, expressed a willingness to let Harris speak freely, though he questioned the fairness of the process.
Trump won a coin flip for podium placement and chose to make the final closing statement, while Harris selected the podium position on screen.
The debate rules mirror those of a June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, including muted microphones, no audience, and restrictions on written notes and staff visits during breaks.
