Hours after ABC News unveiled the guidelines for the upcoming presidential debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump swiftly turned the tables and criticized ABC News during a Fox News town hall on Wednesday. The scrutiny sets the stage for a consequential event not only for Trump and Kamala Harris but also for ABC News and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, as this is the sole debate scheduled between the presidential candidates this autumn. Unlike prior years when a bipartisan commission organized presidential debates, this time, ABC News is solely responsible for the production without a live audience.
Former ABC News President Ben Sherwood highlighted the significance of this event, likening it to hosting the Super Bowl of politics and enhancing the network’s standing in a declining broadcast television landscape. The responsibility on ABC News to present a fair and constructive platform for the candidates to engage with the public is immense, according to Rick Klein, the network’s Washington bureau chief.
The debate opportunity initially emerged when Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee, leading to uncertainty when he withdrew from the race. However, after receiving approval from Harris and Trump, the debate was back on track despite Trump’s previous criticisms of ABC. The network remained steadfast in its planning, aiming to offer a neutral and effective platform for the candidates to communicate with the public amid polarized times.
With David Muir’s extensive experience leading “World News Tonight” and Linsey Davis’ background in hosting ABC’s nightly streaming newscast, they are set to moderate the debate. The moderators face the challenging task of facilitating a constructive dialogue between the candidates while avoiding any potential disruption or bias.
The rules for the upcoming debate include muting candidates’ microphones during their opponent’s speaking time, a measure aimed at preventing interruptions that can deter viewers. Trump’s past criticisms of ABC News journalists George Stephanopoulos and Jonathan Karl, as well as concerns about potential biases within the network, add an additional layer of scrutiny leading up to the debate.
As preparations for the debate continue behind the scenes, the moderators are advised to maintain composure and impartiality despite potential challenges. The success of the event will depend on their ability to steer the conversation effectively and provide a platform for meaningful discourse between the candidates.
