Donald Trump’s latest move ahead of the September debate has created quite a stir, particularly among those who revel in the theatrics of political combat. In a demonstration of strategic foresight, Trump declared his intention to cancel the impending debate. This comes on the heels of Joe Biden’s predictable exit from the 2024 presidential race, which fell flat for those hoping for a more dramatic reveal.
Using his favored platform Truth Social, Trump wasted no time in directing his ire at the debate’s intended host, ABC. Known for carrying water for the left, ABC’s ties with George Stephanopoulos—who seems more concerned with political theater than journalism—only fueled Trump’s fire. His dissatisfaction with ABC’s liberal slant is well-founded, and his suggestion to switch the venue to Fox News rather than “Fake News” ABC illustrates his preference for a platform that allows for a fairer discourse.
However, simply calling for a venue change does not go far enough. Trump should take an even bolder stance by outright refusing to engage in a debate against Kamala Harris. After all, her candidacy is widely regarded as the fruit of party machinations, elevated not by merit, but by the dictates of the Democratic establishment. By labeling her as an illegitimate candidate, Trump could shed light on the hypocrisy of the Democrats and the eerie notion that a political outsider like Harris could be viewed as a serious contender.
Trump is laying the groundwork for skipping September's debate on ABC now that Biden is no longer his opponent. He says Fox News should host it instead pic.twitter.com/GzQ35k35Nc
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 21, 2024
The debate stage should serve as a forum for examining the shortcomings of the Democrat Party’s decision-making process rather than a mere exchange of shallow talking points. Harris has demonstrated her lack of substance in prior appearances—her ability to grasp complex issues seems more akin to a half-hearted performance than competence. The contrast between her and Trump would not only be glaring, it would make for compelling television.
As the left rallies around accusations of cowardice aimed at Trump, they conveniently ignore the realities of the situation. Abandoning the debate—fighting on his own terms—could prevent a potential disaster, such as the sight of a flustered Harris struggling against someone who has spent a lifetime dominating the public debate space. At the end of the day, politics is not just about the issues but also about the perception of strength. In this high-stakes game, an empty stage could prove to be Trump’s greatest strategic play.