With less than a week to go before the first presidential debate matchup between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the latter is desperately grasping for an excuse to not show up.
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NBC News is reporting that the Harris campaign is still arguing about the rules, insisting that the microphones be unmuted contrary to previously agreed-upon terms. In late August, a leaked email from ABC News, the network hosting the debate, showed that the rules included the muted mic setup originally demanded by Joe Biden.
SEE: Leaked Email Reveals ABC News Debate Rules, Debunks Harris Campaign Narrative
Why is this even an issue? It’s an issue because after stabbing Biden in the back and forcing him out of the race, Harris and her handlers spent weeks claiming that any deviation from the prior debate terms would be an act of cowardice. After some back and forth, Trump eventually agreed despite Harris not being the nominee when negotiations took place.
Harris has done a complete turnaround from her prior position, and it’s obvious why.
Kamala Harris does not want to debate. There is no other reason to keep arguing about the minutia surrounding the microphones, especially given her opponent is not arguing for any changes. Whatever hold-up exists is solely the fault of the Harris campaign. Someone confident in their abilities doesn’t bother with stupid distractions. Whether the mics are muted or not, each candidate will get a chance to answer questions and respond.
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I’m no longer convinced this solely is about Harris wanting another “I’m speaking” moment so her campaign can print up some shirts and bumper stickers. That may be one motivation, but I believe she has concluded that she has more to lose than gain by debating. Harris’ surge has completely stalled out and she’s seeing her numbers regress in some polls. At this moment, the race remains a toss-up, and if she fumbles at the debate, it could sink her campaign.
The problem for her is that she (falsely) mouthed off for so long about her opponent supposedly being scared to debate that backing out would look terrible. Baiting Trump into not showing up over a rules dispute was her way around that, but despite her continued flailing, that plan is failing. Harris has a decision to make over the next few days: Does she show up or not?