Kamala Harris’s campaign announced on Thursday that she will debate her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, twice, while their running mates will have one debate. This move is intended to end weeks of uncertainty regarding the debates.
The two campaigns had previously agreed to one presidential debate on September 10 and a vice-presidential debate on October 1. However, Trump’s campaign had been pushing for two additional presidential debates in September and an extra VP debate.
“The debate about debates is over. Donald Trump’s campaign accepted our proposal for three debates — two presidential and a vice-presidential debate,” stated the Harris campaign. The statement added that “assuming Donald Trump actually shows up on September 10,” Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, would debate Trump’s VP pick, J.D. Vance, on October 1. A final Trump-Harris face-off is scheduled for later in October.
Harris’s late entry into the race, replacing President Joe Biden following his withdrawal due to concerns over his age and unpopularity, has turned the election into a rapid sprint to Election Day, reminiscent of European political campaigns.
As the first female and first Black and South Asian vice president, Harris is aiming to make history as the first woman president. She and Walz have had a strong start, reversing Trump’s lead in the polls, breaking fundraising records, and drawing large crowds to their rallies.
The September 10 debate between Harris and Trump will be hosted by ABC News, a network Trump previously criticized, citing legal disputes with its executives.
