Trump Cancels Debate, Sets New Terms for Harris
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has announced that he will not participate in the scheduled debate on September 10, 2024. Instead, he is demanding a new debate format with Vice President Kamala Harris on September 4, hosted by Fox News, claiming it should be held in a "packed arena." Trump stated, "I will watch it on September 4th, or I will not watch it at all," showcasing his determination to dictate the terms of engagement.
Harris Responds to Trump's Ultimatum
Despite Trump's ultimatum, Harris remains unfazed, asserting that she will attend the original debate on September 10, regardless of Trump's participation. Her campaign condemned Trump's personal attacks, which included derogatory remarks about her intelligence and abilities, labeling them as desperate attempts to evade the debate. Harris's campaign has made it clear that they have not engaged in negotiations with Trump or Fox News regarding the new debate format.
The Political Landscape Shifts Post-Biden
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since President Biden's withdrawal from the race, with Harris emerging as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Following Biden's exit, Harris saw a surge in donations exceeding $100 million and a 700% increase in voter registrations. While Trump struggles to find effective attacks against her, he resorts to mocking her intelligence and appearance, a tactic that may backfire given Harris's rising popularity and public support.
- Trump's decision to cancel the previously agreed debate has sparked a frenzy among news networks vying for his approval. CBS News has proposed a vice presidential debate for September 3, intensifying the competition for media coverage. The Commission on Presidential Debates has also expressed willingness to proceed with the original debate schedule if both candidates agree. Harris's campaign believes that Trump's fear of facing her is evident in his attempts to alter the debate conditions. They argue that he is trying to escape the debate he originally agreed to, while Harris remains committed to her campaign and the scheduled events. Trump's previous acceptance of ABC as a debate host has also come into question, as he now objects to their involvement, further complicating the debate landscape.
