In an announcement made this week, ABC News, the host network for the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, revealed the rules that will govern the event. The debate, scheduled for September 10th, will not have an audience and participants will not have access to live microphones when they are not speaking. Additionally, written notes will not be permitted during the 90-minute debate. These measures are similar to the rules implemented for the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.

The decision to exclude an audience, mute microphones, and prohibit written notes aims to ensure a focused and substantive exchange between the two candidates. The June debate, which featured frequent interruptions and chaotic moments, led to criticism of the format and was considered detrimental to the overall discourse. This time, both campaigns will have to adhere to the predetermined rules, although there is ongoing discussion between ABC News and the Harris campaign regarding the muting of microphones.

While the Harris campaign initially advocated for live microphones throughout the entire debate to allow for substantive exchanges, the Biden campaign had insisted on muting microphones as a condition for accepting any debates this year. Some Biden aides are now regretting this decision, as they believe muting the microphones shielded voters from hearing Trump's outbursts during the previous debate.

Reacting to the new rules, Ian Sams, a spokesman for Harris, pointed out the contradiction between Trump's handlers insisting on muting him and the candidate himself preferring otherwise. The Trump campaign, which was initially dismissive of Harris being substituted for Biden in the debate arrangement, had claimed that Harris sought additional specifications such as a seated debate, opening statements, and the use of notes. However, Harris' campaign denied these claims.

ABC News has confirmed that the candidates will stand behind lecterns, there will be no opening statements, and notes will not be allowed during the debate. The event, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. As of now, this is the only planned debate and could be the only opportunity for voters to witness Harris and Trump going head-to-head before the November general election.

With the expectations of a more controlled and focused debate, all eyes will be on Harris and Trump as they present their views and policies in this highly anticipated event.