Former President Donald Trump has indicated he might forego the upcoming presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris scheduled for September 10, hosted by ABC News.
The announcement came through a post on Truth Social on Sunday evening, where Trump voiced his reservations about the debate’s setting and the network’s handling of political coverage.
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Trump’s skepticism about ABC News was clear in his post: “I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Carl’s(K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters, and I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?” He questioned Vice President Harris’s decision to decline debate opportunities on other networks, including Fox, NBC, CBS, and CNN, hinting at a potential bias or strategic avoidance, and concluded his remarks with a cryptic “Stay tuned!!!”
The debate is currently set to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with David Muir of World News Tonight and Linsey Davis of ABC News Live Prime slated as moderators.
This debate holds particular significance as it was initially arranged when Joe Biden was the expected Democratic nominee.
Amidst the uncertainty of his participation on September 10, Trump has committed to a different event on September 4, which was the date for a proposed debate hosted by Fox News that Harris declined. Trump plans to hold a “tele-town hall” with Fox News host Sean Hannity instead.
The former President had initially proposed a series of three debates to Harris: the now uncertain ABC News debate, the declined Fox News debate, and a third debate proposed for September 25, hosted by NBC News.
BREAKING: Kamala Harris backs out of the Fox News debate with Donald Trump, is apparently scared to debate Trump on the network.
“Comrade Kamala Harris has just informed us that she will NOT do the FoxNews Debate on September 4th,” Trump announced.
“I am not surprised by this… pic.twitter.com/YdKklYXrfC
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 20, 2024
Harris, on her part, has agreed only to the September 10 debate and suggested another debate in October, details of which remain under discussion.
The unfolding situation reflects the ongoing strategic maneuvers and media critiques that characterize this election cycle, with both camps selecting platforms and formats that align with their perceived strengths and audience reach.
Trump’s expression of distrust towards ABC News and his broader critique of media bias highlights the deep divisions in media and political discourse in the lead-up to the presidential election.
As both candidates prepare for the upcoming electoral contests, the decisions on debate participation and format will likely play a significant role in shaping public perception and campaign dynamics.
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