Donald Trump proposed a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Fox News on September 4, instead of the previously agreed ABC debate. Trump wants a “full arena audience” in Pennsylvania, mirroring his first debate with Biden.
Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler accused Trump of “running scared” and backing out of the ABC debate set for September 10. Tyler affirmed that Harris would attend the ABC debate, whether Trump shows up or not, and expressed openness to further debates afterwards.
Trump’s move followed a Democratic ad campaign taunting him as “afraid to debate.” Recent polls indicate a tight race between Harris and Trump, who had a larger lead over Biden.
David Plouffe, an adviser to the Harris campaign, criticized Trump for seeking the Fox News platform, calling it a “cocoon.” After Biden dropped out and endorsed Harris, Trump initially refused to debate her, but Harris secured the delegate votes needed for the Democratic nomination.
The political drama intensifies as both campaigns prepare for potential debate showdowns.
