This proves Trump is not afraid of Harris.
Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, praised former President Trump’s decision to debate Vice President Kamala Harris on Fox News in September as a “masterstroke.”
In an interview with SiriusXM’s “Breitbart News Saturday,” Vance expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s move. He argued that Trump’s debate offer was a strategic win, countering claims from Harris’ campaign that Trump was hesitant to debate her. “It’s a clever move,” Vance said, pointing out that Trump’s last debate opponent withdrew from the race shortly after their encounter.
President Biden’s exit from the presidential race last month, following a poor debate performance in June, allowed Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Trump announced on Truth Social late Friday that he had agreed to debate Harris on September 4th on Fox News, replacing a previously scheduled debate with Biden on ABC. Trump cited a conflict of interest due to ongoing litigation with ABC and George Slopadopoulos, which he claimed made the debate impractical. The event will be held in Pennsylvania, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serving as moderators. Trump also noted that the debate will feature a full arena audience, a change from the format originally planned for his debate with Biden.
Vance supported Trump’s decision, noting that Trump’s refusal to debate before the Democratic National Convention could be strategic, given the potential for a nominee change. The convention is set for August 19-22. Vance also argued that Trump’s preference for an audience reflects his natural leadership style, which contrasts with Harris’ reportedly poor performance when unscripted. He believes that the debate format will highlight Trump’s strengths and reveal Harris’ weaknesses.
In response to Trump’s new debate proposal, Harris criticized the change, stating on X, “It’s interesting how ‘any time, any place’ becomes ‘one specific time, one specific safe space.’ I’ll be there on September 10th, as agreed.” Harris’ campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, accused Trump of trying to evade the previously agreed debate and labeled him as “running scared.” Tyler emphasized that Harris would attend the ABC debate as scheduled and suggested that Trump should honor his commitment or risk appearing afraid to face her on September 10.
