Fox News Proposes Debate to Trump and Harris Campaigns 'Given the Race Has Changed'
On Wednesday, Fox News extended an invitation to both the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns, suggesting a debate on September 17 in Pennsylvania.
“Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee, FOX News Media is amending our proposal for a debate this cycle. Given the race has changed, we’d like to request the opportunity to host a Presidential Debate between VP Harris and former President Trump,” stated a letter from Fox News Media president Jay Wallace and Fox News vice president of politics Jessica Loker.
“We propose to host the debate in the state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 17, just as early voting is getting underway there and in other key battlegrounds. We are open to discussion on the exact date, format and location – with or without an audience,” Wallace and Loker continued.
The executives suggested, “Again, we believe Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the faces of our political coverage, are the best choices to moderate.”
In closing, the letter added, “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.”
Fox News has sent a letter to the Trump and Harris campaigns proposing a September 17 debate in Pennsylvania. The network is suggesting @BretBaier and @marthamaccallum as moderators. pic.twitter.com/QnMFNazoon
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) July 24, 2024
Fox News reported that neither the Trump nor Harris campaigns had responded to their proposal yet.
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social expressing his preference for Fox to host the next presidential debate instead of ABC, as was initially planned with Joe Biden.
“My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September,” Trump wrote.
“Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC. Thank you!” he added.
My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September. Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 21, 2024
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump mentioned he is open to debating Harris more than once.
“Absolutely. I’d want to. I think it’s important,” Trump said. “I would be willing to do more than one debate, actually.”
However, he clarified that he had not made any formal commitments, according to the network.
“I haven’t agreed to anything. I agreed to a debate with Joe Biden,” Trump said.
Biden faced intense pressure to withdraw from the race following a poor performance against Trump during the June 27 CNN presidential debate, ultimately leading to his withdrawal on Sunday.