ABC News said it will host the initial debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 10. The network shared the news on X, following Trump’s statement that he would be open to multiple debates with his Democratic rival before the November election.
Donald Trump proposed three debates, suggesting additional ones on Fox News and NBC.
Kamala Harris confirmed her participation in the ABC debate while at an event in Michigan and expressed her willingness for more debates.
The debate will be moderated by David Muir of World News Tonight and Linsey Davis from ABC News Live Prime.
“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump, and we have a date of September 10. I hear he’s finally committed to it, and I’m looking forward to it,” Ms. Harris said at the event in Detroit.
Trump, the Republican candidate, previously debated President Joe Biden in June.
The two were set for another debate on September 10, but Mr. Biden exited the presidential race following a poor showing against Trump in a televised debate. This development allowed Ms. Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
The finalized debate schedule on ABC concludes the recent uncertainties following Biden’s exit from the presidential race.
Trump had earlier expressed a desire for a debate on Fox News in Pennsylvania.
Despite Biden’s withdrawal, the Harris campaign remained committed to the September 10 debate.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Thursday, Trump expressed his desire for two additional debates with Ms. Harris—on September 4 on Fox News and September 25 on NBC.
Trump announced that a debate between the vice-presidential candidates, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz, would be hosted by CBS.
According to the New York Times, NBC News is in talks with both campaigns regarding a possible debate this fall.
Fox News reported sending formal invitations last month for a September debate in Pennsylvania, but the Harris campaign insisted that Trump must first attend the ABC debate before they agree to further engagements.
Trump criticized Ms. Harris for not engaging with reporters or conducting interviews since becoming the probable Democratic nominee two weeks prior. He labeled her “barely competent” and questioned her intelligence.
Ms. Harris later informed reporters that she had instructed her team to arrange an interview before the end of the month.
Amid suggestions that his campaign is under pressure from a reinvigorated Democratic base under Ms. Harris, Trump held an hour-long event, his first press conference in months.
Recent national and battleground state polls indicate Harris’s campaign is gaining traction, yet the presidential race remains tightly contested.
Trump refuted suggestions that he has adjusted his campaign strategy in response to Biden’s withdrawal and was visibly irritated when questioned about the crowd sizes at Harris’s rallies.
“Oh, give me a break,” he said, arguing that crowds at his rallies were larger than at hers.
This press conference marked Trump’s return to the podium after months, shifting focus from his usual rally-oriented campaign.
Trump praised his vice-presidential candidate, Mr. Vance, despite recent criticism over his 2021 comments stating that childless individuals shouldn’t lead the country and describing childless women as “miserable” and “childless cat ladies.”
“I have to tell you, JD Vance has really stepped up,” Trump said. “He’s doing a fantastic job.” He criticized Harris’s policies on immigration and the economy.
Trump also reiterated his controversial view that the president should influence U.S. interest rates and monetary policy, challenging the traditional independence of the Federal Reserve.
He highlighted his campaign priorities: reducing inflation, decreasing crime rates, and strengthening the military.
Speaking to United Auto Workers in Detroit on Thursday, Ms. Harris thanked the union for their support.
She emphasized the urgency of their efforts, noting, “There are 89 days to get this done” before the election.
