American broadcaster ABC has published the rules for the long-awaited first televised duel between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.
There was a dispute between Trump and Harris over microphones earlier — specifically, whether to mute them when the political opponent is speaking. There now appears to be an agreement.
During the televised duel on September 10 (local time/11 September CEST), the microphones of anyone not speaking must be muted. Harris has now apparently relented.
A spokesman for the Harris campaign said last week that they preferred to keep both candidates’ microphones on during the broadcast. “We assume Trump’s advisers prefer to keep the microphones muted because they do not believe their candidate can act presidential for 90 minutes,” the statement said.
Biden wanted to remain silent during duel
During the televised duel between Trump and then-Democratic presidential candidate US President Joe Biden in June, the microphones of the person who was not speaking were muted. The muting was reportedly done by Biden’s team.
Democrats wanted to prevent Trump from constantly interrupting the 81-year-old Democrat. After the debate, observers concluded that muting the microphones had helped Trump, as the 78-year-old appeared more controlled.
Trump was angry that Harris wanted to change these rules and indirectly threatened to cancel the entire TV debate. The debate between Trump and Biden was hosted by the American broadcaster CNN, now it is ABC’s turn.
The TV duel lasts 90 minutes
The event will be moderated by journalist David Muir and journalist Linsey Davis. ABC said both candidates had agreed to the now-published rules. The broadcaster announced that the debate would last 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks planned. There will be no opening statements; candidates’ closing statements must be two minutes long.
“No props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage,” ABC said. Harris and Trump would receive a pen, a notebook and a bottle of water. There will be two minutes allowed for answering questions, two minutes for rebuttals from the other candidate and another minute for questions or clarifications.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
