- July 26, 2024
‘What happened to any time, any place?’, asks Kamala after Trump backs off his commitment to debate in September – Times of India
“What happened to ‘any time, any place?’” Harris replied to a tweet, challenging Trump’s sudden reluctance to debate her after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
The debate, originally set to be hosted by ABC News, was part of a pre-existing agreement between Biden and Trump. However, Biden’s decision to exit the race, coupled with the swift unification of the Democratic Party behind Harris, has caused Trump’s team to reconsider their commitment. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, said that “continued political chaos surrounding” Biden and the Democrats means “general debate details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee,” according to the New York Times.
Cheung’s statement implies that Harris’s nomination might still be provisional, suggesting that the Democratic Party could potentially choose another candidate.
The Trump campaign’s hesitance is framed around the belief that Harris might not be a strong contender against Trump, with Cheung asserting that “many in the Democratic Party — including Obama — think that Harris cannot beat Trump and that they are still holding out for someone ‘better.’”
In contrast, Harris has reaffirmed her commitment to the debate, asserting that voters deserve to witness the contrast between her and Trump on the debate stage. “I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage,” Harris said, emphasizing her readiness for the debate and accusing Trump of “backpedaling.”
Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current debate arrangement, hinting at a preference for a debate hosted by Fox News, which has been notably supportive of him. Trump has yet to confirm his participation in the debate against Harris, suggesting that the debate format and venue might be subject to further negotiation. “Well, I haven’t agreed to anything,” Trump told reporters, adding that while he had agreed to debate Biden, he remains uncommitted regarding Harris.
