Trump threatens to pull out of Harris debate over 'hot mics' disagreement

NEWS WIRES

26 August 2024 at 12:59 pm·1-min read

Former president Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of a planned debate with rival candidate Kamala Harris on US TV network ABC, with both sides in disagreement over whether or not the microphones should remain live throughout the event. The vice president's team is pushing for both candidates' microphones to remain switched on even when the other candidate is speaking, unlike during the CNN debate in June.

The campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed on Monday over next month's U.S. presidential debate, with the vice president's team seeking a return to open microphones while her Republican rival threatened to pull out entirely, suggesting the previously agreed-upon ABC network was biased.

"Why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?" Trump, who is making his third bid for the White House, wrote in a social media post late Sunday night that also accused the network of bias. "Stay tuned!!!"

Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon said on Monday the vice president's campaign wanted the broadcaster to keep the candidates' microphones on throughout the event, not muted when their opponent was speaking as in the last presidential debate.

So-called "hot mics" can help or hurt political candidates, catching off-hand comments that sometimes were not meant for the public.

Representatives for ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reuters)

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