In a heated exchange of words, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic US Vice President Kamala Harris are at odds over a proposed debate, each accusing the other of attempting to back out. The controversy revolves around Trump's proposition to debate Harris on Fox News on September 4, while the Harris campaign claims there was already a debate scheduled to run on ABC.

Trump took to social media to outline the rules for the proposed debate, stating that it would follow a similar format to his earlier debate with President Joe Biden, who has since withdrawn from the race. Trump also mentioned the inclusion of a "full arena audience" and a location in the pivotal battleground state of Pennsylvania.

The Harris campaign swiftly responded to Trump's proposal, with communications director Michael Tyler accusing the president of running scared and seeking refuge on Fox News. Tyler emphasized that Trump should honor the original agreement and participate in the debate scheduled for September 10.

This dispute between the two candidates intensified after the Democratic National Committee initiated an advertising campaign taunting Trump for his reluctance to debate, stating that "the convicted felon is afraid to debate." The ad campaign also raised questions regarding Trump's stance on abortion as a possible reason for his hesitance.

While the Harris campaign assured that the vice president would attend the debate on September 10, Tyler also hinted at the possibility of Harris seizing the opportunity to address a national audience through an alternative platform if Trump fails to participate. The campaign expressed willingness to engage in further debates after the originally agreed-upon one.

This latest clash comes in the wake of Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race on July 21, in favor of backing Harris. At that time, Trump announced his refusal to debate her, reasoning that she was not the official candidate. However, recent events have significantly changed the landscape, as Harris has secured the delegate votes required to officially clinch the Democratic nomination.

Harris, who previously expressed readiness for a debate proposed by Fox News on September 17, now finds herself at the center of this debate controversy with Trump. Recent polls indicate a close race between the two candidates, with Trump's lead over Biden diminishing post the initial debate.

As the election looms closer, the dispute over debates highlights the increasing tensions and importance surrounding the candidates' performances in these crucial face-offs. With both Trump and Harris standing their ground, it remains to be seen if they will find common ground or if this debate standoff will continue to escalate.