Michelle ThompsonFox News has proposed a presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 17, following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race. The debate would be held in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, with Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum moderating.
Fox News President Jay Wallace and Vice President of Politics Jessica Loker sent letters to the Trump and Harris campaigns, indicating flexibility on the exact date, format, and location of the debate, and whether it would include an audience. They also highlighted their network’s previous town halls with Democratic candidates, despite not hosting formal debates in 2016 or 2020.
The Trump and Harris campaigns have not yet responded to requests for comment on the proposal.
Trump and Biden’s campaign had initially agreed to two debates this year—one hosted by CNN in June and another by ABC on September 10. It’s uncertain if the ABC debate will proceed now that Biden has withdrawn. Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with ABC and expressed a preference for Fox News to host the debate. An ABC spokesperson has not yet commented.
Trump has expressed eagerness to debate Harris, stating he “absolutely” wants to and is open to multiple debates. He emphasized that he agreed to debate Biden but sees debating Harris as equally important due to their similar policies.
Emily Martinez
