Trump, Harris to face off in September debate

ABC News has announced it will host the first debate between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on September 10. This follows Trump’s recent indication that he is open to multiple debates against Harris before the November election.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the network confirmed that World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the debate. Trump, who recently debated President Joe Biden in June before Biden withdrew from the race, suggested that two additional debates be hosted by Fox News and NBC.

Harris confirmed her participation during an event in Michigan, expressing her eagerness to engage with Trump on the debate stage. “I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump on September 10. I hear he’s finally committed to it, and I’m looking forward to it,” Harris said.

The debate marks a significant moment in the election race, coming after Biden’s exit and the subsequent nomination of Harris as the Democratic candidate. Trump’s campaign, which has seen growing pressure from a reinvigorated Democratic base, continues to push for more debates, including one hosted by Fox News on September 4 and another by NBC on September 25.

Despite the ongoing discussions, the Harris campaign has insisted that Trump must first attend the ABC debate before any further debates are confirmed. Trump, in a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, also announced that CBS will host a debate between the vice-presidential candidates, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz.

Trump’s remarks on Thursday also included sharp criticism of Harris, questioning her competence and intelligence. Harris, however, responded by promising to schedule an interview soon, as her campaign gains momentum in national and battleground state polls.

The upcoming debate is set to be a crucial moment in the closely contested race for the White House, as both candidates seek to solidify their positions ahead of the November election.

Source: BBC