The upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump scheduled for September 10 is sparking arguments regarding muting microphones while the other candidate is speaking. Both camps are feeling pressure to deliver a strong performance, given the significance of the debate in Philadelphia. Trump hinted on social media about the possibility of not participating, questioning the network’s neutrality. The primary issue causing contention is whether microphones should be muted when not in use, a condition agreed upon by Biden and Trump for their previous debate in June.
Biden’s team had insisted on muting microphones to prevent outbursts, a decision now questioned by some aides. Harris’s campaign, on the other hand, is advocating for live microphones throughout the debate, accusing Trump’s team of preferring muted microphones to shield his performance. Trump’s spokesperson defended their stance by highlighting the prior agreement on debate terms and suggested Harris’s camp had requested additional advantages, such as notes and opening statements.
Despite these disagreements, both candidates have agreed to abide by the debate rules set for the upcoming event. The absence of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which traditionally negotiated debate terms, is complicating this year’s negotiations. In light of past debates marred by disruptions, the decision to mute microphones when not speaking was adopted to ensure a more orderly and substantive discussion.