Why does Harris advocate for lifting Trump's muting status
Kamala Harris' most stinging comment during her debate with then-Vice President Mike Pence in 2020, which was otherwise forgettable, sets the stage for the latest standoff between her and Donald Trump.
Most Democrats have had their fill of the Republican nominee's tirades. Yet, Harris is eager for him to have his say, unfiltered, in their face-off on ABC News on September 10.
The Vice President's camp is trying to overturn a rule that the Biden team established for their debate with Trump in June. This rule ensured that a candidate's microphone was muted when it wasn't their turn to speak, a move aimed at preventing Trump's frequent interruptions during the debates in 2020. Biden, at one point, even pleaded "Will you shut up man?"
It's clear that Harris' team wants to give Trump the chance to self-destruct with an obnoxious interruption or his domineering personality.
Trump's camp is pushing back, but on Monday, Trump himself undermined their stance, expressing his satisfaction with losing the mute button.
This feud highlights the massive impact of their confrontation in shaping the campaign narrative, following the most impactful presidential debate ever on CNN in late June, which significantly hindered Biden's campaign.
The debate is particularly crucial for Trump, who's had trouble adjusting to his new adversary since Biden's withdrawal. The meeting offers him his best chance to halt Harris' momentum, especially considering he and his camp believe that she's not prepared to handle policy questions and follow-ups from a fierce opponent like Trump.
"Trump needs to debate, Harris needs to debate," said CNN political analyst Scott Jennings, a Republican. "They both have something to prove."
Monday's heated exchanges between the campaigns are a testament to Harris' influence on the campaign. Her team is relishing the opportunity to taunt Trump - the ultimate political taunter. For instance, they released a web video featuring the sound of a clucking chicken to suggest Trump might back out of the debate. Harris' aides also implied that Trump's handlers haven't dared to raise the mic question with him.
An unrestricted mic could expose Trump's weaknesses
An unrestricted mic would test Trump's self-control during a debate with Harris, at a time when Republican strategists are urging him to focus on policy rather than his smash mouth politics.
Footage of Trump talking over and disrespecting Harris, who has the potential to become the first Black woman president, would speak volumes. Harris would also have the chance to exhibit strength by standing up to Trump, perhaps by repeating her famous response in the Pence debate. Trump's offensive comments that could be perceived as sexist or racially charged could alienate female, minority, and suburban voters, who could play a decisive role in swing states in November.
Images of Trump behaving boorishly would align with the broader narrative of the Harris campaign, emphasizing America's "momentary opportunity to surpass the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past."
"The Vice President wants the American people to see an unfiltered Donald Trump because that's what we would get if he becomes president again," Harris campaign spokesman Ian Sams told CNN's Alex Marquardt. "I think it's important that in this election and in this moment, the American people get to see the choice between the two candidates on stage."
Risks aside, daring Trump to interrupt on an unrestricted mic could work in Harris' favor. In 2016, Trump frequently interrupted Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, disrupting the flow of her answers. Although it may have seemed detrimental to the Republican nominee at the time, he still managed to win the election.
Maria Cardona, a CNN political commentator, suggested another reason why Harris might want an unrestricted mic. "By having the mics unmuted, it will give her the ability to control both what she says ... as well as fact-checking him on the spot," Cardona, a Democrat, said.
Harris' standout moment in 2020
During her debate with Pence, conducted behind screens due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Harris thwarted an interruption attempt by raising her hand and saying "Mr. Vice President, I'm speaking. ... I'm speaking." This statement, which felt like a rehearsed moment, made it appear as though Pence was explaining things to Harris. The exchange gained added significance due to their races and genders. The then-California senator found the phrase so compelling that she repeated it later in the debate, following up with "If you don't mind letting me finish, we can then have a conversation."
At the time, Harris' catchphrase went viral, inspiring social media memes and merchandise, including mugs, t-shirts, and sweatshirts that helped establish her image.
The disagreement over the terms of the September 10 debate highlights familiar weaknesses within the Trump campaign.
The candidate's team prefers microphones to be silenced during the debate, a source close to the situation revealed. In a declaration, senior advisor to Trump, Jason Miller, stated that the former president agreed to the ABC debate under the same conditions as the one with Biden on CNN. Miller further hinted at Harris' flip-flop, implying that her debate preparation might be faltering. "Even their own campaign spokesperson admitted that the debate debate is over. Clearly, they're not happy about something," Miller commented.
However, the ex-president seemingly contradicted his team's stance. At a campaign event in Virginia, he expressed indifference towards the matter, stating, "It doesn't matter to me, I'd rather have it possibly on but the deal was everyone sticks to the same rules as last time." The last time, the microphones were muted and Trump admitted to disliking it, but he claimed it worked out fine.
He added a qualifier, "We agreed to the same rules. Same rules, same specifications. And I reckon that's probably what it should be."
Harris' camp seized the opportunity, with Sam commenting on CNN that Trump had resolved the matter in favor of unmuted microphones. "We got it straight from the horse's mouth," Sam asserted.
Despite Trump's earlier preference for muted microphones during debates, his recent remarks indicate a willingness to engage with an unrestricted mic in his upcoming debate with Harris. This shift in stance could potentially reveal Trump's ability to maintain self-control in the face of Harris' political challenges.
The ongoing debate about the use of muted microphones underscores the significance of this encounter, with both candidates seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase their strengths and weaknesses in the political arena.
