Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has stirred up the political pot again, announcing that he has officially locked in three presidential debates. The dates are set, and they include a highly-anticipated appearance on Fox News, followed by two additional face-offs on NBC and ABC. Clearly, the Trump campaign is ready to take the gloves off while hanging a “Welcome” sign at the debate stage for Kamala Harris, who is now under pressure to step up to the plate.
In a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump not only confirmed his participation but also threw down the gauntlet for Harris to join him in what promises to be a fantastic showdown. The dates slated for these debates are September 4, September 10, and September 25, marking a prime opportunity for Trump to put Harris on the hot seat and challenge her record. The former president expressed hope that Harris would accept the challenge, suggesting that the debate could be her moment to demonstrate some political savvy—or at least to figure out how to navigate simple questions without dodging them endlessly.
During his comments, Trump took a jab at Harris’s rather dubious track record, humorously dubbing her “the first loser” for her spectacular flop during the 2020 Democratic primaries. After all, it’s not every day that a candidate drops out before anyone has cast a vote. It seems like a fitting moniker, as many conservative pundits have pointed out that every instance of Harris speaking publicly has been overshadowed by her questionable claims and the dubious nature of her political journey.
As the date of the debates approaches, the Trump campaign has ramped up its criticism of Harris’s notable absence from the media spotlight. The Vice President has been in hiding for what some are describing as an alarming 18 days, with no press conferences or interviews to be found. The Trump campaign has rolled out a blistering statement questioning Harris’s ability to confront the myriad issues facing the nation. If she can’t face the press, they ask, how can she possibly face an economy teetering on the brink, an out-of-control border situation, or America’s foes that seem to relish in exploiting a perceived weakness in leadership?
Trump Confirms Debate Dates. Will Kamala Show Up? https://t.co/v2C0qqfnTJ
— Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) August 8, 2024
To add insult to injury, the campaign is pointing fingers at Tim Walz, Harris’s vice presidential candidate, who is mired in a scandal concerning his claims of military service. In a time when leaders need to exude strength and integrity, the current administration’s struggles with its choices are becoming all too apparent. Perhaps it’s time for Kamala Harris to step out from the shadows and prove that she can take the heat, not just from Trump, but from the press that seems to be less scared of him than they are of her. The upcoming debates promise to be both entertaining and revealing as the two candidates face off on the national stage.
