Harris campaign still discussing muted mics with ABC News ahead of debate

Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign on Thursday divulged that they are still discussing with ABC News whether microphones will be muted during the presidential debate.

Harris and former President Donald Trump have largely agreed to the rules outlined by ABC, but the Harris campaign said the discussion on muted microphones is the only point of contention. The debate will take place in Philadelphia on Sept. 10.

The Harris campaign wants the microphones to be unmuted the entire time, while the Trump campaign and ABC News agreed to muting the other candidate's mics when they are not speaking. 

“The memo sent by ABC is a draft set of rules that both campaigns need to sign off on and indicate agreement," Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon posted to X. "We have not done so because we think both candidates have expressed a clear desire to have hot mics. Not clear why Trump staff is overruling their principal, who should be capable of making up his own mind."

Trump stated on Monday that he is okay with the microphones being unmuted throughout the debate personally, but the Trump campaign has pushed for the microphones to be muted. 

“We have been asked to accede to Trump’s handlers’ wishes on this point for the sake of preserving the debate. We find the Trump’s team’s stance to be weak, and remain in discussions with ABC on the final rules,” Fallon said.

Trump on Tuesday claimed that the debate rules will be the same as the first presidential debate with CNN. This means that neither candidate will be allowed to bring paper or notes up to the podium.

The debate will also last a total of 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks. The candidates will not be allowed to speak or interact with each other or their campaigns during the breaks, according to The Hill. Additionally, there will be no opening statements.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.