NEW YORK (AP) — There will be no audience, no live microphones when the candidates are not speaking and no written notes at next month’s debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, according to rules that ABC News, the hosting network, shared with both campaigns this week.
A copy of the rules was provided to the Associated Press on Thursday by a senior Trump campaign official on condition of anonymity ahead of the network’s announcement. Harris’ campaign maintained Thursday that it was still in discussions with ABC about muting microphones.
The parameters now in place for the Sept. 10 debate are essentially the same as those for the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, a disastrous performance for the incumbent Democrat that prompted his departure from the campaign. It is the only debate that is firmly scheduled, and it could be the only time voters see Harris and Trump face off before the November general election.
The back-and-forth over debate rules reached a fever pitch this week, particularly over whether microphones would be muted between speakers.
Harris’ campaign had advocated for live microphones throughout the debate, saying in a statement that the practice would “fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates.”
Biden’s campaign had made it a condition that he not debate this year, but that he would mute the microphone. Some aides are now regretting that decision, saying it prevented voters from hearing Trump’s outbursts during the debate.
“It’s interesting that Trump’s handlers keep pushing for him to tone down his voice, despite the candidate himself saying otherwise,” Harris spokesman Ian Sams said. “Why don’t they just do what the candidate wants?”
Representatives for Trump — who initially laughed at replacing Harris in a debate arrangement he initially struck with Biden in the race — had claimed Harris wanted “a seated debate, with notes and opening statements,” specifications her campaign denied.
According to ABC News, the candidates will stand behind lecterns, will not make opening statements and will not be allowed to take notes during the 90-minute debate. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
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AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report. Kinnard reported from Chapin, South Carolina, and can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
