‘No Audience, No Written Notes’, Here Are Conditions For Sept 10 Debate Between Trump and Harris

Washington: Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will lock horns at the debate on September 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia which will be moderated by ABC news who will be the host network for this event. 

According to an AP report, ABC News has set certain rules that have been shared with both campaigns. 

• There will be no audience
• No Live Microphones when candidates aren't speaking
• Candidates can’t bring written notes to the debate

Harris's campaign on Thursday insisted it was still discussing the muting of mics with ABC, the report in AP mentioned. 

The parameters for the September 10 debate are essentially the same as those for the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, which was a disastrous performance for the incumbent Democrat and led to his withdrawal from the campaign. This is the only debate that has been firmly scheduled and might be the only opportunity for voters to see Harris and Trump face off before the November general election.

Harris Campaign Advocated For Live Mics For Whole Debate

Vice President's campaign has stated that practice would “fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates.” Biden’s campaign had made microphone muting condition of his decision to accept any debates this year, a decision some aides now regret, saying voters were shielded from hearing Trump’s outbursts during the debate.

"It’s interesting that Trump’s handlers keep insisting on muting him, despite the candidate himself saying the opposite,” Harris spokesman Ian Sams said. “Why won’t they just do what the candidate wants?”

Representatives for Trump — who initially scoffed at the substitution of Harris into a debate arrangement he initially made with Biden in the race — had claimed that Harris sought “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 bring notes during the 90-minute debate. 

David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.