Trump and Harris Set Stage for First Heated Presidential Debate

U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris will debate on September 10th. This marks their first face-to-face encounter in a close race. Harris's rapid rise in the polls has reshaped the contest, as both candidates prepare for additional debates and recalibrate their campaign strategies.

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris will debate on September 10 on ABC, marking their first face-to-face confrontation in what polls reveal is an extremely tight race. During a rambling news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence, Trump expressed his desire for additional debates on September 4 and 25 to be aired on Fox and NBC.

Harris, in a post on X, voiced her anticipation for the September 10 debate after Trump 'finally committed.' She mentioned to reporters post-campaign stop in Detroit that she was open to more debates. Trump's earlier reluctance to confirm his participation in the ABC debate, scheduled before Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee three weeks ago, had stirred the electoral dynamics.

An Ipsos poll released on Thursday indicated Harris's lead over Trump had increased since late July, standing at 42% to 37%, a jump from the 37% to 34% margin in a late-July Reuters/Ipsos survey. This is the first public appearance of Trump since Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate earlier in the week.

This week, Harris and Walz drew tens of thousands at rallies in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, showcasing her impactful entry into the race. Her surge has spurred the Democrats and led to a recalibration in Trump's campaign strategy. The polls highlight Harris's success in diminishing Trump's advantage over Biden, leading to a massive influx of funds for Democrats.

On Thursday, Trump maintained he hasn't shifted his approach to the campaign, blaming Harris for Biden's record. In a prolonged Q&A session with reporters, Trump criticized Harris and Walz as weak candidates and downplayed the poll numbers favoring them.

Trump lamented not facing Biden in the November 5 election, hinting at a supposed plot against Biden by the Democratic Party. Biden's departure followed a weak debate showing against Trump, sparking concerns within his party regarding his reelection viability.

Addressing his controversial remarks about Harris's ethnicity, Trump deferred the matter to her. Earlier remarks had sparked backlash and perplexed his supporters and aides.

Trump on Thursday also poked fun at the size of Harris's campaign gatherings, while exaggerating the January 6 crowd size in comparison to Martin Luther King's 1963 turnout. His contentious remarks drew wide attention.

Trump criticized Harris's lack of press interviews since her campaign launch, casting doubts on her competence. Despite frequent interviews with right-leaning media, Trump's interactions remain more controlled.

Harris, after meeting with Detroit auto workers, indicated plans for a sit-down interview by the month's end. The unfolding race continues to shape the campaigns of both candidates.

(With inputs from agencies.)