Trump-Harris Debate Showdown Set for September

ABC News has fixed 10th September to host the first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

The network confirmed the showdown in a post on X, after Trump said at a news conference on Thursday that he would be open to debating Harris multiple times before the November election.

“We think we should do three debates,” Trump said, suggesting two additional showdowns that he said would be hosted by Fox News and NBC.

Ms Harris confirmed that she will attend the ABC debate while at an event in Michigan on Thursday, but she has not yet weighed in on any additional possible showdowns.

Harris said at the event in Detroit, "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."

Trump debated President Joe Biden once in June. The two were slated to do so again on 10 September but Mr Biden withdrew from the race after a stinging poor performance against Trump in their first televised matchup.

Trump had previously said that he wanted a debate hosted by the conservative network Fox News, saying it would take place in Pennsylvania, "at a site in an area to be determined".

"The Moderators of the Debate will be Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum," he said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social last week, adding that the rules will be similar to the debate he had with Mr Biden but with a "full arena audience."

At his news conference on Thursday, Trump said he would like to debate Ms Harris two additional times - on 4 September in a showdown hosted by Fox News and on 25 September in an NBC debate.

Trump also said that CBS will host a debate between the two vice-presidential nominees, Republican JD Vance and Democratic candidate Tim Walz.

NBC News is reportedly in talks with both campaigns about a possible debate this fall, but according to the New York Times, the Harris campaign has not agreed to a debate hosted by Fox News. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump criticized Ms. Harris, calling her “barely competent” and claiming she “can’t do an interview.” He also accused her of avoiding press conferences since launching her campaign, saying, “She’s not smart enough to do a news conference.” However, Trump expressed his eagerness for the debates.

This marked Trump’s first news conference in several months, as his campaign had previously focused on nationwide rallies. During the conference, Trump praised his running mate, Mr. Vance, who had faced criticism for his 2021 remarks suggesting that those without children shouldn’t lead the country and labeling childless women as “miserable” and “childless cat ladies.” Trump commended Vance, saying, “JD Vance has really stepped up. He's doing a fantastic job.”

Trump also criticized Ms. Harris's record on immigration and the economy, reiterating his belief that U.S. presidents should influence interest rates and monetary policy—a stance that diverges from the traditional role of the independent U.S. Federal Reserve.

Trump told reporters that internal polls show him leading in key swing states and highlighted his priorities of lowering inflation, reducing crime rates, and strengthening the U.S. military.

Meanwhile, Ms. Harris held a campaign event in Detroit, Michigan, alongside Walz, where she emphasized her support for labor unions and the middle class, as well as the importance of protecting Americans' "freedoms." Harris stated, “We want to recognize the right all people have to freedom and liberty… and not have their government tell them what to do," she told supporters.

National and battle ground state polls suggest that she has gained some ground against Trump since her campaign began, but the race remains a close contest.

Continue Reading: US Elections: Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz as Running Mate