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Kamala Harris’ debate strategy is undergoing a last-minute overhaul after new rules were finalized that will mute candidates’ microphones during their opponent’s speaking time in tomorrow’s debate against Donald Trump. Harris’ advisers, who had planned for the Vice President to fact-check and directly confront Trump, are reworking their approach, Politico reported.
Harris and her team initially hoped for unmuted microphones to allow her to lean on her prosecutorial background.However, Harris campaign officials are now concerned the muting will limit her ability to expose Trump’s vulnerabilities.
“Trump’s worst moments in the debates are when he gets upset and snaps,” said a former Harris aide. “And they have neutered that.”
According to Politico, some Democrats believe the campaign’s frustration is more about setting expectations for the debate, while others fear the rule change could impact Harris’ performance, given her limited experience in national debates. However, Harris could turn the situation to her advantage by addressing the audience when Trump tries to interrupt, according to a Democratic strategist.
Jason Miller, Trump’s senior adviser, dismissed Harris’ complaints, pointing out that the rules were agreed to by Joe Biden’s team earlier this summer. “Americans want to hear both candidates present their competing visions to the voters,” Miller said as quoted by Politico.
Despite frustrations, Harris’ team is preparing for multiple 90-minute mock debates, with former Clinton aide Philippe Reines playing Trump. While some strategists downplay the impact of the muting rule, others remain confident in Harris’ ability to perform under pressure.
“He won’t be able to do his shenanigans either, so it seems kind of like a wash to me,” said strategist James Carville.
Harris’ team is focused on ensuring she remains composed and prepared for any surprises during the debate, set for next Tuesday.
When will the debate take place?
The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a symbolic venue in the heart of American democracy. The 90-minute event is scheduled for 9:00 pm local time on Tuesday (6:30 am IST on Wednesday), airing live on major networks. Notably, there will be no audience present, allowing the focus to stay squarely on the candidates.
ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate, bringing their experience to manage what is expected to be a tense encounter.
Muted microphones rule
A key sticking point was the use of muted microphones, aimed at preventing interruptions. Trump’s team opposed the rule, calling it a limitation on free speech, while Harris’ team cited previous debates where interruptions prevented meaningful dialogue. ABC decided that only the speaking candidate’s microphone would be on during their time, while the other would be muted, ensuring smoother exchanges.
Format and debate structure
Candidates will skip opening statements and dive straight into answering questions, each having two minutes to respond, followed by two minutes for rebuttal. An additional minute will be available for follow-ups. Closing statements will follow, with Trump delivering the final remarks due to a coin toss.
No props or interaction allowed
To ensure fairness, strict rules ban the use of props or pre-written notes. Both candidates will stand behind podiums with only pens, paper, and water allowed. No communication with campaign staff will be permitted during breaks.
Harris and her team initially hoped for unmuted microphones to allow her to lean on her prosecutorial background.However, Harris campaign officials are now concerned the muting will limit her ability to expose Trump’s vulnerabilities.
“Trump’s worst moments in the debates are when he gets upset and snaps,” said a former Harris aide. “And they have neutered that.”
According to Politico, some Democrats believe the campaign’s frustration is more about setting expectations for the debate, while others fear the rule change could impact Harris’ performance, given her limited experience in national debates. However, Harris could turn the situation to her advantage by addressing the audience when Trump tries to interrupt, according to a Democratic strategist.
Jason Miller, Trump’s senior adviser, dismissed Harris’ complaints, pointing out that the rules were agreed to by Joe Biden’s team earlier this summer. “Americans want to hear both candidates present their competing visions to the voters,” Miller said as quoted by Politico.
Despite frustrations, Harris’ team is preparing for multiple 90-minute mock debates, with former Clinton aide Philippe Reines playing Trump. While some strategists downplay the impact of the muting rule, others remain confident in Harris’ ability to perform under pressure.
“He won’t be able to do his shenanigans either, so it seems kind of like a wash to me,” said strategist James Carville.
Harris’ team is focused on ensuring she remains composed and prepared for any surprises during the debate, set for next Tuesday.
When will the debate take place?
The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a symbolic venue in the heart of American democracy. The 90-minute event is scheduled for 9:00 pm local time on Tuesday (6:30 am IST on Wednesday), airing live on major networks. Notably, there will be no audience present, allowing the focus to stay squarely on the candidates.
ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate, bringing their experience to manage what is expected to be a tense encounter.
Muted microphones rule
A key sticking point was the use of muted microphones, aimed at preventing interruptions. Trump’s team opposed the rule, calling it a limitation on free speech, while Harris’ team cited previous debates where interruptions prevented meaningful dialogue. ABC decided that only the speaking candidate’s microphone would be on during their time, while the other would be muted, ensuring smoother exchanges.
Format and debate structure
Candidates will skip opening statements and dive straight into answering questions, each having two minutes to respond, followed by two minutes for rebuttal. An additional minute will be available for follow-ups. Closing statements will follow, with Trump delivering the final remarks due to a coin toss.
No props or interaction allowed
To ensure fairness, strict rules ban the use of props or pre-written notes. Both candidates will stand behind podiums with only pens, paper, and water allowed. No communication with campaign staff will be permitted during breaks.
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