Kamala Harris delivered a memorable zinger during the 2020 vice-presidential debate with then-Vice President Mike Pence, a moment that now seems to encapsulate her approach to her upcoming debate with Donald Trump. Read more

While most Democrats feel they've heard enough from Trump, Harris appears ready to let him say whatever he wants, whenever he wants during their scheduled debate on ABC News on September 10. Read more

Harris' team is pushing to overturn a rule that President Joe Biden’s camp secured for a pivotal debate with Trump in June. That rule allowed microphones to be muted when it wasn’t a candidate’s turn to speak, a measure aimed at curbing interruptions—a tactic Trump used relentlessly during the 2020 debates. Those interruptions famously led Biden to exasperatedly ask, "Will you shut up, man?" Read more

The Harris campaign appears eager to give Donald Trump the chance to undermine himself with his characteristic interruptions and overbearing demeanor during their upcoming debate. Meanwhile, Trump’s camp is pushing back, but the former president complicated things by stating that he’s actually fine without a mute button. Read more

This debate clash holds significant weight for both campaigns. With Biden out of the race following a pivotal June debate on CNN, Trump now faces a new challenger in Harris. The debate presents a critical opportunity for Trump, whose team believes that Harris may struggle under the pressure of an opponent as aggressive as Trump. CNN political analyst Scott Jennings echoed this sentiment, stating, "Trump needs to debate. Harris needs to debate. They both have something to prove." Read more

Harris’ campaign, however, seems to be enjoying the chance to taunt Trump. They even released a web video depicting Trump with the sound of a clucking chicken, suggesting he might back out of the debate. They also hinted that Trump’s team might have avoided addressing the mic issue directly with their candidate. Read more

If microphones remain unmuted, it will be a test of Trump’s self-discipline as GOP strategists urge him to focus on policy rather than his usual confrontational style. Visuals of Trump talking over and disrespecting Harris, who could potentially become the first Black woman president, might alienate key voter groups, including women, minorities, and suburban voters, crucial in swing states.

Trump’s aggressive tactics previously worked in his 2016 debates with Hillary Clinton, but they may not have the same effect this time. Harris, known for her sharp response to interruptions, may be prepared to handle Trump's behavior. Her famous “I’m speaking” moment during her 2020 debate with Pence went viral and solidified her assertive public image. Read more

While the debate format is still under discussion, the divide in the Trump campaign over microphone control reveals familiar internal tensions. Senior Trump adviser Jason Miller emphasized that Trump had initially agreed to the debate under the same conditions as his CNN debate with Biden. However, Trump’s own statements about being indifferent to the mute button seemed to undercut his team’s position. Read more

Harris’ campaign seized on Trump’s remarks, with spokesperson Ian Sams stating that Trump had effectively settled the issue in favor of open microphones: "We heard from the horse's mouth," Sams said. read more