ABC Responds to Claims of Debate Favoritism for Harris

ABC News has firmly denied allegations that it provided advance questions or topics to Vice President Kamala Harris or her campaign prior to the recent presidential debate. These claims emerged from a viral document purportedly written by an ABC staffer, which alleged that the Harris campaign negotiated favorable conditions, including specific camera angles and the omission of certain topics, such as President Biden's health. The document, which has gained traction among right-wing influencers, was first shared on social media by an account known as 'Black Insurrectionist.' The allegations have been amplified by prominent figures in the Republican party, including Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ted Cruz, who have called for accountability if the claims are substantiated. ABC News has maintained that the debate rules, agreed upon by both campaigns, explicitly stated that no topics or questions would be shared in advance. The network's spokesperson reiterated that no aides from either campaign were in contact with the debate moderators. Despite the claims made in the affidavit, ABC has categorically denied that Harris received any questions beforehand, countering narratives that sought to explain Donald Trump's poor debate performance. The network's statement emphasized adherence to the established debate protocols, which were designed to ensure fairness. The controversy surrounding the affidavit has sparked discussions about media ethics and the integrity of the debate process. While some right-wing outlets have supported the claims, others have cautioned that the allegations may be unfounded, highlighting the ongoing tension between media narratives and political discourse.