Fox News has extended invitations to the campaigns of President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for the first presidential debate since Joe Biden dropped out and Harris was installed by Democratic leadership in his place. This debate is scheduled to take place in Pennsylvania on September 17.
This date comes just seven days after the previously scheduled debate that was to feature Trump and President Joe Biden, who resigned from the campaign on Sunday via a social media post. Both candidates had committed to participating in that debate, which was to be hosted by ABC.
The first debate of the general election season occurred much earlier than usual, on June 27. This debate, hosted by CNN, was believed to be somewhat of an audition for Biden, who did not meet expectations. The debate had stringent rules seemingly designed to favor Biden: no audience, no media other than cameras, a strict 2-minute time limit for answers, and mics cut off at the end of the allocated time.
Following Biden’s forced exit from the race by Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, with behind-the-scenes approval from Biden’s former boss, President Barack Obama, Trump proposed that the debate between himself and Harris be hosted on the conservative-leaning network, Fox News.
Neither campaign has yet accepted the invitation. Fox News has stated that the rules and location are negotiable. Pennsylvania is a key battleground state.
The letter from Fox News specified that the debate would be moderated by the network’s own Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, who are described as “the faces of our political coverage” and “the best choices to moderate.”
“In recognition of FOX News Media’s capabilities and reputation, we cordially extend an invitation to all concerned parties to discuss our proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation,” the letter concluded.