First Debate Between Trump and Harris Scheduled, With Trump Calling for More
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are slated to face off in a highly anticipated debate on September 10, airing on ABC. This debate marks their first direct confrontation in what has become a closely contested race, according to recent polls.
Details of the debate
During a news conference held at his Palm Beach, Florida residence, Trump called for two additional debates to be held on September 4 and September 25, suggesting Fox and NBC as the networks to air them. Trump emphasized the importance of these debates, stating, “The American people deserve to hear more from us, and I’m ready for as many debates as it takes.”
In response to Trump’s request, Harris expressed her eagerness for the upcoming September 10 debate. “I hear that Donald Trump has finally committed to debating me on September 10. I look forward to it.” Harris said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
While speaking to reporters after a campaign stop in Detroit, Harris indicated that she was open to considering more debates. However, a campaign official clarified that a debate on September 4, particularly on Fox, was “not an option.”
Trump, who had previously hinted at the possibility of backing out of the September 10 debate on ABC, had originally been scheduled to debate President Joe Biden. The debate, which was supposed to follow their first encounter on CNN on June 27, was restructured after Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Recent polling suggests Harris has gained momentum in the race
Recent polling suggests Harris has gained momentum in the race. An Ipsos poll released on Thursday showed Harris leading Trump by a margin of 42% to 37%, a notable increase from a July 22-23 Reuters/Ipsos survey that had her ahead by just three points, 37% to 34%.
Trump’s press conference on Thursday was his first public appearance since Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate earlier in the week. The Harris-Walz ticket has since energized the Democratic base, with rallies in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin drawing significant crowds.
This week, Harris and Walz have focused on engaging with labor groups, underscoring their campaign’s commitment to workers’ rights. During a visit to a union hall on Thursday, Harris emphasized, “Labor unions will play a pivotal role in this election, and we are determined to ensure their voices are heard.”