Trump Threatens To Drop Out Of The ABC Debate
Former President Donald Trump suggested that he might skip the ABC News debate scheduled for September 10. He criticized the network, claiming it is biased with “Trump Haters,” while simultaneously focusing on narrowing Kamala Harris’s recent lead in the polls.
Late Sunday night, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustration with ABC News, specifically criticizing the network’s weekend programming.
In a post after 10 PM, Trump delivered scathing remarks, particularly targeting the network’s coverage and hinting at his reluctance to participate in any future debates on ABC.
“I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning,” Trump wrote, referring to an interview conducted by Jonathan Karl, who he described as a “lightweight reporter.” Trump criticized the interview with Senator Tom Cotton, though he praised Cotton’s performance.
He also took issue with the panel that followed, which he labeled as a group of “Trump Haters.” Trump questioned why he would ever agree to a debate against Kamala Harris on a network that he perceives as biased.
Trump’s comments were also a nod to Jonathan Karl, a journalist who frequently challenged him during his presidency, particularly during press briefings at the White House. Trump’s tirade didn’t stop there; he also targeted members of ABC’s “This Week” panel, including Donna Brazile, a former DNC chair. Brazile faced controversy in 2016 when hacked emails revealed that she had provided debate questions to Hillary Clinton’s campaign while working at CNN.
Trump’s remarks underscore his ongoing tension with mainstream media networks, which he often criticizes for what he views as unfair coverage.
Donald Trump raised concerns about potential bias in the upcoming debate, questioning whether Donna Brazile, who had previously provided debate questions to Hillary Clinton, would do the same for the candidate he referred to as “the Marxist.”
He also suggested that Kamala Harris’s close relationship with the head of ABC might influence the process and wondered if George Stephanopoulos would be involved, labeling him with a nickname.
Trump pointed out that Harris declined invitations from Fox, NBC, CBS, and CNN, and implied that there might be more to the story. “Stay tuned!” he added, suggesting more developments to come.
In July, Stephanopoulos found himself in the spotlight after a video surfaced in which he was heard discussing President Joe Biden with a passerby. In the clip, Stephanopoulos expressed doubt about Biden’s ability to serve another four years, stating, “I don’t think he can serve four more years.” This incident occurred just days before Biden ultimately decided to withdraw from the race.
Meanwhile, both sides are still negotiating the terms for the upcoming debate, which is the last one they have both agreed to participate in.
Harris advisor Brian Fallon said both candidates should have their mics kept live throughout the broadcast.
‘Our understanding is that Trump’s handlers prefer the muted microphone because they don’t think their candidate can act presidential for 90 minutes on his own,’ he said in a statement. The Trump camp, meanwhile, says Harris wants a seated debate that allows for notes and opening statements.
Despite Trump’s criticisms of the network, he might feel the need to participate. The June 27 debate between Trump and Biden triggered a series of events that eventually led the 81-year-old president to conclude his campaign.
Next month, Trump will be up against a Harris campaign that’s gaining traction after a strong political convention and successful fundraising. Harris has made notable progress in key battleground states within the “Blue Wall,” shifting the momentum in her favor.
According to the latest NPR analysis released on Monday, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania now lean Democratic, while Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina have become tossups.
Karl clashed with Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton on Sunday’s ‘This Week,’ after he blasted Kamala Harris for her past support of Mecicare-for-all.
Cotton compared it to ‘taking away health insurance on the job for 170 million Americans.’
‘What do you mean taking away health insurance? What are you talking about?’ Karl shot back.
‘I mean, that is not her position now,’ Karl continued. Harris has since walked back her position from the 2020 primary, and is now in line with the Biden administration on health policy.
“How do you know that is not her position now?’ countered Cotton.
Trump has threatened to bail out on debates in the past, including earlier this month, when he threatened to hold back from the ABC debate, preferring an earlier one on Fox that Harris has not agreed to.