On September 10, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump are scheduled to debate on ABC. Since Harris emerged as the Democratic presidential nominee in place of former President Joe Biden, this will be their first meeting. But Trump is pushing for two more debates: one on September 4th, which Fox News will hold, and another on September 25th, which NBC will probably host.
In an effort to counteract Harris’s recent rise in popularity, which has greatly energised the Democratic base, Trump has called for further debates. The campaign of Harris has not yet consented to the additional debates on Fox and NBC, even if Trump has confirmed his participation in the debate on ABC. The back-and-forth highlights the high stakes in this election, particularly in light of Trump’s emphasis on disparaging Harris’s record and the momentum of her campaign.
His exit opened the door for Harris to take over, and her influx of energy has energized the Democratic base. Both candidates will be intently observing the discussion, which is facilitated by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, as they attempt to shape the storyline for the future.
The stakes are especially high for Trump. The advantage Harris had against Biden has already begun to diminish due to his quick rise. According to polls, Harris’s campaign has greatly tightened the race, exciting Democrats and bringing in enormous sums of money. Trump will have his first chance to face Harris head-on in the ABC debate, and he is expected to launch an aggressive campaign to paint her as excessively liberal and unsuitable to be president.
In keeping with his broader campaign approach of controlling media cycles and dictating the parameters of the democratic conversation, Trump is pushing for additional debates. Trump seems keen to capitalize on his advantages in debate situations, where his aggressive attitude and fast comebacks have historically connected well with his supporters, by pushing for more face-offs. The extra debates do, however, come with risks, as Harris will have more chances to strike and energize her followers.
