# Trump and Harris agree to September 10th ABC debate - Watch Along Starts at Post 431 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump, kamala-harris\ **Created:** [August 8, 2024, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440 "2024-08-08T20:59:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/241 "2024-09-06T20:36:48Z")
I still say that we get the [game show host](https://youtu.be/5hfYJsQAhl0?si=9jhhnJYI5mJ6QlQn) from _Billy Madison_ to moderate the debate. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/242 "2024-09-06T21:18:14Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > I still say that we get the [game show host](https://youtu.be/5hfYJsQAhl0?si=9jhhnJYI5mJ6QlQn) from _Billy Madison_ to moderate the debate . Today I Learned (TIL): I thought until just now the academic decathlon MC from _Billy Madison_ was some game show host or another that had never reached my ken. In fact, it was longtime SNL writer and comedian **[Jim Downey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Downey_(comedian))**. Downey’s only 71 – I bet he could still pull off moderating the debate! ---
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/243 "2024-09-06T21:49:43Z")
Yeah, but Thiessen was just reminding all of us how forthright DJT was by contrast. DJT said on Day 1 he would be a dictator. Proves Harris is a weakling. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/244 "2024-09-07T00:12:57Z")
As Harris preps for the debate, I found this amusing. > [@](#): > > The vice president has hunkered down to prepare for the debate with a small group of advisers, according to _[The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/us/politics/harris-howard-university-debate-prep.html)._ She participated in at least two mock debates last month. > > **Her opponent is being played by Philippe Reines, who reportedly dons an oversized suit, shoes with a three-inch lift, and long tie to get into character**. Reines also played a Trump stand-in for Hillary Clinton, for whom he worked as a senior adviser, during the 2016 election cycle. > **[Poking the Bear: How Kamala Harris Is Preparing for Trump Debate](https://www.thedailybeast.com/poking-the-bear-how-kamala-harris-is-preparing-for-trump-debate)** > > Donald Trump, however, “does not need traditional debate prep,” his national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/245 "2024-09-07T08:53:07Z")
I don’t expect any huge zingers or rhetorical flourishes from her. As this article says, that’s not what she knows, for better or for worst. > **[Kamala Harris’s Secret Weapon](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kamala-harriss-secret-weapon.html)** > > Prosecutorial experience gives her an edge — but not how you might think. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/246 "2024-09-07T16:28:01Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I don’t expect any huge zingers or rhetorical flourishes from her. As this article says, that’s not what she knows, for better or for worst. I’m not expecting huge zingers or rhetorical flourishes because I expect Harris to be the adult in the room. I expect her to act like someone who is qualified to be president and not a third grader looking to be class clown. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/247 "2024-09-07T20:30:13Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > I’m not expecting huge zingers or rhetorical flourishes because I expect Harris to be the adult in the room. I I am hoping for one great line, such as the ones I mentioned before. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/248 "2024-09-07T20:41:14Z")
There’s a [tweet being attributed to Trump](https://imgur.com/a/zr5JhDz) that says: > [@](#): > > No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris. We had this out previously with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he was in a debate, and he was not allowed a “lift.” It would be a form of cheating, and the Democrats cheat enough. > > “You are who you are,” it was determined! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/249 "2024-09-07T21:03:22Z")
All that cutsey crap that people want Harris to do? Trump is doing it-how does it look to you? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/250 "2024-09-07T21:08:52Z")
It’s real. > **[Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113095938489707017)** > > No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris. We had this out previously with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he was in a debate, and he was not allowed a “lift.” It would be a... My WAG - he half-remembered that old observation about taller candidates winning elections, took it as scientific fact, and has decided the key to winning is to convince everyone that he’s VERY TALL, MUCH TALLER THAN KAMALA, I’M THE TALLEST PERSON EVER, THE LATE GREAT PAUL BUNYAN TOLD ME SIR I’VE NEVER BEEN AS TALL AS YOU. ---
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/251 "2024-09-07T22:34:09Z")
Heh, but Harris gets to wear high heels. Check! ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/252 "2024-09-07T22:37:01Z")
So does he. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/253 "2024-09-07T23:22:03Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > My WAG - he half-remembered that old observation about taller candidates winning elections… I think he’s _finally_ been convinced to do debate prep, so he got around to having somebody sit with him and tell him the rules. “Do I get a nice golden throne?” “No, you’ll have to stand at a lectern. That’s the thing you lean on.” “What about Comrade Camel La? Does _she_ get a chair?” “No sir. As I explained when you asked about the Diet Coke button, you and Vice President Harris will each have the same conditions.” “Well, if I have to stand, can I at least wear my special shoes?” “Nobody will inspect your shoes, sir, but the rules do say that no arificial lifts are permitted.” “Ho boy! That’s rich! I’ve got to send out a post about that one. Get me my phone!” “But sir, we really should be preparing for the debate. It’s next week!” “Okay, nerd. Ohhh boy, I’ve got the perfect burn for Conquistador Kama-Lala!” ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/254 "2024-09-07T23:30:53Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > “Nobody will inspect your shoes, sir, but the rules do say that no arificial lifts are permitted.” If there really is such a rule, someone damn well should inspect Trump’s shoes. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/255 "2024-09-07T23:38:06Z")
“What?? _Me_ lie, cheat and steal at every possible opportunity?” ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2024, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/256 "2024-09-08T02:37:18Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > It depends on the moderator(s). Some are better than others. Take a look at **[this transcript](https://www.npr.org/2012/10/03/162258551/transcript-first-obama-romney-presidential-debate)** of Jim Lehrer moderating the first debate between Obama and Romney. Lehrer had been doing debate moderation, [since 1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Lehrer#Presidential_debate_moderator), for the Commission on Presidential Debates. After 24 years, doing it in every cycle, he got good at it. But even with the best, most experienced, moderator, Trump would make it an impossible job. If DJT makes the exact same statement, at the debate, that he previously made about, say, sex reassignment surgery in schools, an ABC moderator could call him on it. But I doubt Donald will make the precise same false statements, at the debate, that he makes at rallies. He’ll probably tone it down a bit. Then it will be difficult to immediately say whether the statement, as worded, is false, given that the wording changed and/or it was put in just-asking-questions mode. As noted previously, Trump can utter a couple dozen lies at a single debate. If he is called on more than a few, the moderators are at high risk of making a mistake. I doubt they can take that risk. P.S. This is not to say Harris will lose the debate. I predicted that Biden would win his in post-debate polling, and was wrong, but I’ll again risk being wrong and say that the Democrat will win. I just do not think moderation can help out Harris – she’ll have to do it all herself. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/257 "2024-09-08T02:41:46Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Her answer wasn’t the smoothest, but that question is a stupid question. But it’s a question that’s been asked of many other candidates, and everyone knows it’s metaphorical. Be prepared. > [@DrDeth](#): > > “_There you go again._” (Ronald Reagan, 1980) > > "_When I hear your new ideas, I’m reminded of that ad: ‘Where’s the beef?’_ ” (Walter Mondale, 1984) > > _“I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”_ (Lloyd Bentsen, 1988) Two of those three people lost. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2024, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/258 "2024-09-08T03:02:56Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Trump can utter a couple dozen lies at a single debate In a single debate? In a single sentence! Run on as it may be. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2024, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/259 "2024-09-08T05:27:57Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Two of those three people lost. Mondale did, but Bentsen won his Senate seat that year. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2024, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440/260 "2024-09-08T05:57:46Z")
He said that at the Vice-Presidential Debate, which he lost. He pretty much got the Senatorial job as a consolation prize in 1988, mainly because they couldn’t drop him from the ticket. He was always the favorite for that job in 1988…but I think he was also the last Democratic Senator in Texas to date-not something to be proud of. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-harris-agree-to-september-10th-abc-debate-watch-along-starts-at-post-431/1005440.md?page=14)