Trump and Harris debate feud over microphone rules on September 10

On September 10, a scheduled debate between Trump and Harris on ABC News is facing challenges due to disagreements over microphone rules. Initially, both campaigns had agreed to specific rules, including the muting of microphones when it is not a candidate's turn to speak, a stipulation pushed by Biden's team. However, Trump's campaign has accused Harris's team of attempting to change these rules, claiming it is a tactic to gain an unfair advantage. Trump's spokesperson criticized the Harris campaign for what they perceive as 'games' and emphasized the importance of adhering to the original agreement. The debate's integrity is at stake as both sides express their preferences regarding microphone usage. Harris's campaign has stated that they prefer live microphones throughout the debate, allowing for a more transparent exchange between the candidates. This stance is seen as a way to showcase both candidates' true characters and responses during the debate. In contrast, Trump's team argues that the original rules should remain in place to prevent interruptions and maintain decorum. The ongoing feud over the microphone rules highlights the broader tensions between the two campaigns as they prepare for the debate. Trump's team believes that allowing live microphones could lead to unrestrained interruptions, which they argue would not benefit Trump’s image. Conversely, Harris's team seems to believe that a more open format could allow her to appear more presidential, especially if Trump resorts to personal attacks. As the debate approaches, the resolution of these microphone rules will be crucial in determining the format and tone of the event, potentially influencing public perception of both candidates.