Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to face off in a debate on September 10 on ABC News, with Harris pushing for an open mic format to allow Trump to speak freely and potentially sabotage himself with offensive interruptions. This move comes after a rule was secured for the previous debate between Joe Biden and Trump in June, where candidates’ microphones were muted when it was not their turn to speak. Trump’s camp is pushing back against this, but Trump himself stated that he would be willing to lose the mute button. The upcoming debate is seen as crucial in defining the narrative for the rest of the campaign, especially for Trump, who has struggled to adapt to facing Harris after the withdrawal of Biden.
The Harris campaign is increasingly enjoying trolling Trump, using tactics like releasing a web video with the sound of clucking chickens to suggest he might back out of the debate. An open mic format would test Trump’s self-discipline in a debate with Harris, with visuals of him disrespecting a woman who could potentially be the first Black woman president potentially backfiring. Harris could use the opportunity to demonstrate strength in standing up to Trump, while risky, as it could lead to alienating voters, it could also allow her to fact-check him on the spot.
During her debate with Pence, Harris famously shut him down with the line “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” a phrase that went viral and helped build her persona. The disagreements over the terms of the upcoming debate echo familiar fault lines in the Trump campaign, with Trump initially wanting an open mic format, then conflicting statements from his team. Harris’ team sees the open mic format as crucial for showcasing the differences between the candidates on stage and allowing for real-time fact-checking.
The upcoming debate is seen as critical for both Trump and Harris in defining the narrative for the rest of the campaign. Harris is daring Trump to interrupt on an open mic, potentially setting up a scenario where his behavior could alienate voters. The exchange between the two candidates will be closely watched, with Harris aiming to maintain control over the conversation while also fact-checking Trump on the spot. Both campaigns are preparing for what could be a defining moment in the race, as each candidate seeks to prove their readiness for the presidency.
