Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has announced his agreement to a debate with presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, scheduled for September 4th on Fox News. Trump’s post claims that the debate will be held in Pennsylvania, with moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, and promises a "full arena audience."
Trump's announcement has created a stir, as the Harris campaign remains committed to the original debate plan with ABC News. Michael Tyler, Harris’ campaign communication director, criticized Trump for "running scared" and seeking a "bailout" from Fox News. Tyler reaffirmed Harris' commitment to the debate agreed upon with ABC News, scheduled for September 10th, and expressed openness to additional debates after this commitment.
Harris herself emphasized her readiness to debate, remarking, “It’s interesting how ‘any time, any place’ becomes ‘one specific time, one specific safe space.’ I'll be there on September 10th, like he agreed to. I hope to see him there.”
The debate developments follow the exit of President Biden from the presidential race, leading to Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee. The Democratic National Convention, set for August 19-22 in Chicago, will formally confirm Harris as the party's nominee.
Trump and Biden had previously agreed to two debates, with the first hosted by CNN in June and the second planned for September 10th with ABC News. Following Biden’s withdrawal, Harris stepped into the race and has since secured the majority of delegates needed for the nomination.
CBS News has reached out to both campaigns for comments on the debate schedules and is continuing to extend invitations for upcoming debates.