There has been a lot of scrutiny and controversy over the upcoming debate between current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Before the original debate for the current presidency on June 27th, between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, new rules were set into place regarding muting microphones. Microphones were mandated to be muted in order to silence Donald Trump and allow Joe Biden to have uninterrupted time. In addition to the muting, there was no live studio audience. These rules were made due to previous debate incidents and behavior.
When Vice President Kamala Harris became the official nominee for the Democratic Party in place of Incumbent President Joe Biden, her campaign tried to alter the debate terms. The Harris campaign believes that the live studio audience, in addition to microphones not being muted, would be beneficial. At this time, the Trump campaign has reaffirmed that they wish to follow the terms set between Biden and Trump. Jason Miller, a senior advisor for the Trump Campaign, has stated that Trump wishes for a “seated debate, with notes, and opening statements. We said no changes to the agreed upon rules.”
Bringing this dispute to the constituents of Cortland, students were interviewed to get their opinions. The young voter demographic has been highly sought after in this presidential race.
A local student, Anthony F. said, “I think the rules of the debate should be as agreed upon. The Harris campaign is looking to interrupt President Trump just as she interrupted former Vice President Mike Pence in their 2020 debate.”
Another student, Kyle Z. said, “Each candidate should be given the chance to speak without being interrupted.”
These students both seem to side with Former President Trump’s campaign on the issue even though in the past the precedent has been to have microphones on at all times. The precedent to have microphones muted in between questions and while candidates are speaking is relatively new. In previous debates, including those which took place between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016 clearly reveal the microphones were never muted. It can be argued that previous debates and the most recent debate are very different to watch.
Former President Trump told reporters Monday, “It doesn’t matter to me, I’d rather have it probably on,”(CNN) but in a different interview Trump’s opinion on the matter seemed to have changed as he is quoted saying “I didn’t like it the last time but it worked out fine. I mean ask Biden how it worked out, it was fine. And I think it should be the same.”(BBC) This change in opinion has been noted by the Harris campaign and a spokesperson for Harris’ campaign has stated, “Both candidates have publicly made clear their willingness to debate with unmuted mics for the duration of the debate to fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates – but it appears Donald Trump is letting his handlers overrule him. Sad!”
Former President Donald Trump has also requested there be a series of debates instead of just one before the election this November. This is a request that has been denied so far by Presidential Nominee Harris. One of Trump’s suggestions included having a full live studio audience during a debate hosted by Fox News. The Harris campaign has so far not been open to this suggestion. In preparation for the September 10th debate, Harris has reportedly been in a Pittsburgh hotel with her campaign team. The team and Harris are allegedly studying former debates that involved President Trump, these include ones with Hilary Clinton and Joe Biden. Harris has been using a new slogan when it comes to her face-off against Donald Trump, “If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face.”
If you are of age to vote, it is important that you educate yourself on both party’s political beliefs, plans and policies. Exercise your right to an educated vote, watch the debate on September 10th and vote on November 6th.