The rules for the debate between Harris and Trump on September 10 have been set

NEW YORK (AP) — Next month’s debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump According to the rules that host broadcaster ABC News communicated to both campaign teams this week, there will be no audience, no microphones turned on when candidates are not speaking, and no written notes.

A copy of the rules was provided to The Associated Press on Thursday by a senior Trump campaign official on condition of anonymity ahead of the network’s announcement. The Harris campaign team stressed Thursday that it was still discussing the muting of microphones with ABC.

The parameters now in place for the September 10 debate are essentially the same as those for the June debate between Trump and the president. Joe Bidena disastrous performance by the incumbent Democrat that fueled his withdrawal from the campaign. It is the only debate that is firmly scheduled and may be the only time voters will see Harris and Trump face off before the general election in November.

The back and forth about the debate rules reaches a boiling point this week, particularly on the question of whether the microphones would be muted between speeches.

Harris’ campaign team had advocated for live microphones throughout the debate, saying in a statement that this approach “would enable a comprehensive exchange of content between the candidates.”

Biden’s campaign had based its decision to participate in debates this year on muting the microphone, a decision some of his advisers now regret, saying voters were shielded from Trump’s outbursts during the debate.

“It’s interesting that Trump’s advisers insist on muting him, even though the candidate himself says otherwise,” said Harris spokesman Ian Sams. “Why don’t they just do what the candidate wants?”

Trump officials – who initially scoffed at Harris’s inclusion in a debate agreement he had originally made with Biden for the race – had claimed that Harris had sought “a sit-down debate, with notes and opening statements.” Her campaign team denied those claims.

According to ABC News, the candidates will stand behind lecterns during the 90-minute debate, will not be allowed to make opening statements and will not be allowed to bring notes. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

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AP White House correspondent Zeke Miller in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report. Kinnard reported from Chapin, South Carolina, and can be reached at