Fox News, known for its lively primetime debates, is willing to adopt a new approach for an upcoming presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The network, backed by Fox Corp., is considering the option of muting the candidates' microphones when they are not directly responding to questions. This unconventional condition, previously employed by CNN in the June 27 debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, has piqued the interest of Fox News executives.

Jay Wallace, President and Executive Editor of Fox News Media, revealed that the proposal to mute microphones was included in a letter sent to both the Biden and Harris campaigns last week. The letter also expressed Fox News' willingness to discuss the debate date, format, and location, with or without an audience. Wallace believes that CNN's implementation of microphone muting in the 2024 debate improved the flow of the event, making it less chaotic.

Presidential debates have traditionally been organized by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates, but the contentious nature of the 2020 debate between Biden and Trump led to the exploration of alternative methods. Despite Trump's refusal to remain quiet during his opponent's answers and the candidates engaging in verbal attacks, the use of muted microphones helped create a smoother experience during the CNN debate.

Fox News, citing its large viewership, has emphasized the benefits that a debate on their network could offer to both candidates. The network consistently draws a larger audience than its direct rivals, CNN and MSNBC. Recent national news developments, including Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and an attempted assassination on Trump in Pennsylvania, have further boosted Fox News' viewership. In July, the network saw a significant surge of 120% in total day viewership among the coveted 25-54 demographic.

Wallace reaffirmed Fox News' commitment to engaging in discussions with both campaigns, taking into consideration the desires and needs of the candidates and the audience. He acknowledged that negotiations would involve different requests from each side but emphasized the importance of giving both candidates a platform to share their messages during this critical time for the country.

Bret Baier, who has been proposed as a co-anchor alongside Martha MacCallum for the debate, endorsed the idea of muted microphones, stating that it created an atmosphere more conducive to focused discussions on key issues. He expressed openness to exploring various approaches for the upcoming debate.

As talks between Fox News and the campaigns progress, the inclusion of muted microphones could shape the dynamics of the anticipated debate between Trump and Harris. With the potential to reduce interruptions and sharpen the focus on substantive dialogue, this innovative approach may offer a new perspective on presidential debates, ultimately benefiting the viewers and the democratic process.