Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules with Assurances from ABC News

Vice President Kamala Harris has agreed to the final rules for the upcoming presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, despite initial concerns about the microphone muting rule. ABC News has reportedly provided assurances to the Harris campaign that the mics may be turned on under certain circumstances.

Vice President Kamala Harris has finally agreed to the debate rules for the upcoming ABC News presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, following assurances from the network.

The Harris campaign had previously expressed concerns about the rule that microphones be muted while a candidate is speaking. ABC News has now reportedly provided assurances that the mics may be turned on if there is significant cross talk between the candidates, and that the moderator will explain to viewers what is being said.

Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules with Assurances from ABC News

The Harris campaign has confirmed the vice president's participation in the debate in a letter to ABC News. However, the campaign has also expressed reservations about the microphone muting rule, which it believes will disadvantage Harris.

"Vice President Harris, a former prosecutor, will be fundamentally disadvantaged by this format, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President," the letter read. "We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign's insistence on muted microphones."

Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules with Assurances from ABC News

Despite the concerns, the Harris campaign has agreed to the rules to avoid jeopardizing the debate. After President Biden dropped out of the race in July, the Harris campaign insisted on moving forward with the previously agreed upon debate.

Trump has expressed openness to the idea of live microphones, but has also attacked the Harris campaign for suddenly demanding changes to the rules.

Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules with Assurances from ABC News

The debate is set to take place on Tuesday, October 19th. It will be moderated by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.

The microphone muting rule has been a subject of controversy in the lead-up to the debate. The Trump campaign has argued that it is necessary to prevent interruptions and maintain order. The Harris campaign has argued that it will give Trump an unfair advantage, as he has a history of interrupting opponents during debates.

Kamala Harris Accepts Debate Rules with Assurances from ABC News

ABC News has defended the rule, saying that it is in line with the format used in previous presidential debates. The network has also said that it will take steps to ensure that both candidates have a fair opportunity to speak.

The debate is expected to be closely watched as it will be the first time that Harris and Trump have faced off in a head-to-head debate. The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election.