In July, an unexpected twist disrupted the debate plans between former President Donald Trump and President Biden.
- Legal Issues: Trump could have faced new legal challenges or developments, potentially making it difficult for him to participate in the debate. Legal troubles have been a recurring issue for Trump, and new indictments or court rulings could have impacted his debate schedule.
- Health Concerns: There could have been unforeseen health issues affecting either candidate. Health problems could necessitate postponing or canceling the debate.
- Political Maneuvering: Strategic changes in campaign tactics or political maneuvering might have led to a shift in debate plans. This could involve changes in debate formats, scheduling, or even new candidates emerging as alternatives.
- External Events: Major national or international events, such as crises or emergencies, might have led to a reevaluation of the debate schedule.
If President Biden announced on July 21 that he was suspending his campaign due to internal skepticism about his ability to effectively serve another term, it would have major implications for the election.
Here’s what to know:
Time of debate:-
The debate begins at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Rules for the debate?
The issue with the microphones likely pertains to how they would be managed during the debate.
By initially wanting both microphones unmuted throughout the debate, Kamala Harris’s campaign likely aimed to ensure that Harris could fully engage with Trump without interruptions. This setup would allow for a more dynamic and potentially confrontational debate, with both candidates speaking freely and reacting to each other in real-time.
Trump’s team advocating for muting a candidate’s microphone while the other is speaking reflects a strategy to manage interruptions and ensure that each candidate’s responses are given clear attention. This rule, which the Biden campaign had requested in the past, aims to minimize chaotic cross-talk and maintain a structured debate format.
The Harris campaign feels that muting microphones could unfairly disadvantage Harris, a former prosecutor known for her sharp questioning and direct communication style. They argue that the format might prevent Harris from engaging Trump in a meaningful back-and-forth, thus shielding him from direct scrutiny.
By suggesting that the format benefits Trump, the Harris campaign is framing the microphone rule as a tactical advantage for Trump’s team. They imply that this format might protect Trump from having to address tough questions or defend his positions directly, which could influence how the debate is perceived by viewers.
The Harris campaign acknowledges that Trump has previously threatened to skip debates. By accepting the rules proposed by ABC News, they aim to ensure that the debate proceeds as scheduled, rather than risking its cancellation. The threat of Trump not participating underscores the high stakes of the negotiation.
The decision to accept the muted microphone format reflects a strategic compromise. The Harris campaign is choosing to prioritize the opportunity to have the debate occur over holding firm on their preferred format. This decision indicates a willingness to adapt to the rules in order to engage directly with Trump and address key issues.
If significant crosstalk occurs, microphones may be unmuted to allow for clearer communication between the candidates. This measure is intended to address any potential issues with the debate format, ensuring that important exchanges are heard by the audience.
The moderator will play a crucial role in managing interruptions. Candidates who interrupt frequently will be warned, and their behavior could be highlighted to the audience. This is designed to maintain order and ensure that each candidate has a fair opportunity to speak without excessive interruptions.
The rule that microphones will be live only for the candidate who has the floor and muted for the other ensures that each candidate has a designated speaking time without interruptions. This approach aims to minimize cross-talk and maintain order during the debate.
The prohibition on asking each other questions means that the debate will follow a more structured format, with each candidate responding to questions from the moderator rather than directly engaging with each other. This rule could impact the dynamic of the debate by limiting direct exchanges and challenges between Harris and Trump.
Trump’s preference for having microphones live suggests he favors a debate format that allows for more spontaneous interaction and immediate response. This could indicate his strategy to engage directly with Harris and make his points in real-time.
Trump’s decision to give the last closing statement can be strategically significant. Being the last to speak allows him to respond to any points made by Harris and potentially leave a lasting impression on the audience. This can be an opportunity to summarize his key arguments and counter any criticisms.
Harris choosing the lectern on the left side of the stage (viewers’ right) can affect visual and psychological aspects of the debate. This position might influence how Harris is perceived by viewers, as it could affect the framing of her responses and interactions with Trump. While it might seem minor, such details can impact the visual dynamics of the debate.
Each candidate has two minutes for their closing statement, which is an important opportunity to summarize their key points, address any lingering issues, and make a final appeal to voters. The fact that Trump won the coin toss and chose to give the last closing statement could be strategically beneficial, as it allows him to respond to Harris’s final points and potentially leave a lasting impression.