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Thursday, September 5, 2024

Report: Harris Campaign Got Debate 'Assurances' From ABC News


Vice President Kamala Harris agreed to the final rules for the ABC News debate against former President Trump, allegedly following a few "assurances" from the network.

On Wednesday, ABC News released the official rules for Tuesday's debate between Harris and Trump, including the hotly contested rule that microphones be muted while a candidate is speaking.

The Harris campaign repeatedly pushed back on this rule, attempting to goad Trump into backing out of the original agreement to mute mics, even refusing to sign off on the rules last week in an attempt to renegotiate. 

CNN reported Wednesday that Harris accepted the rules after receiving separate "assurances" that mics could be turned on during the debate and the moderators would explain unheard exchanges.

"ABC News has offered assurances to the Harris campaign that if there is significant cross talk between Harris and Trump, the network may choose to turn on the mics so that the public can understand what is happening, the moderator would discourage either candidate from interrupting constantly and the moderator would also work to explain to viewers what is being said, according to the source familiar," CNN reported.

The source allegedly added that pool reporters will also be in the room to report on what could be heard while mics are muted to TV audiences.

An ABC spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Beyond the debate rules published today, which were mutually agreed upon by two campaigns on May 15, we have made no other agreements. We look forward to moderating the presidential debate next Tuesday."

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