Kamala Harris Calls on Trump to Hold Debate with Live Microphone Throughout

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has called on her Republican rival Donald Trump to hold their debate with a live microphone throughout the entire event. Both Harris and the former U.S. President have agreed to participate in the live televised debate, which will be organized by ABC News on September 10.

“Donald Trump is catering to his advisors, who prevent him from debating with a live microphone,” Harris wrote on her social media platform X. “If his own team does not trust him, the American people certainly cannot trust him.” She added, “We have both put our names forward for the position of President of the United States. Let’s debate transparently with microphones always on.”

Trump had previously stated that he prefers to be connected to his microphone and expressed dissatisfaction when it was turned off during the last debate with then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. These so-called “hot mics” can help or hinder political candidates, catching comments that are sometimes not meant for the public. Muted microphones do not allow debaters to interrupt their opponents.

This debate will be Harris’s first face-off with Trump since Biden’s presidential campaign ended in the wake of a failed live performance by Biden in June, which raised questions about the current president's mental faculties.