Updated Aug 8, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump backs down after bailing on debating Harris

Sareen Habeshian

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump participates in a question and answers session at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention at the Hilton Hotel on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The convention is expected to attract more than 3,000 media pro — Former President Trump on July 31 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have both agreed to the Sept. 10 presidential debate on ABC, the network said Thursday.

The big picture: Trump said Thursday he's reached an agreement with three TV networks for debates with Harris — and said he's waiting on a reply from the VP.

The GOP presidential nominee said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that he's agreed to a Sept. 4 debate on Fox News, a Sept. 10 one on NBC and a Sept. 25 debate on ABC.
His campaign quickly clarified that they've agreed to the original ABC News debate date on Sept. 10, and that the Sept. 25 date would be on NBC.

Context: The Sept. 10 debate on ABC was first agreed to when the race was between Trump and President Biden, but Trump said on Friday that he'd "terminated" the plan.

Harris repeatedly said she plans to uphold the agreement for the Sept. 10 ABC debate, and has not yet indicated that she has agreed to the newly-proposed debates.

What he's saying: "The other side has to agree to the terms," Trump said.

"She's barely competent, and she can't do an interview," he said of Harris. "But I look forward to the debates."

Harris' campaign did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Go deeper: Harris says she's ready to debate Trump Sept. 10

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Trump backs down after bailing on debating Harris

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