As the intense September 10 debate between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris approaches, Trump has made an unusual demand. The former president, known for his unconventional tactics, has insisted that Harris not bring “any boxes or artificial lifts” to the debate, according to a report by Yahoo.

Trump’s demand, announced on his social media platform Truth Social, has stirred controversy and drawn attention to the upcoming event.

Height controversy in the spotlight

Trump’s claim revolves around the use of height-enhancing devices, which he equates to “cheating.” In his message:

Trump referenced a similar situation from an earlier debate with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, where the use of an “elevator” was prohibited.

Trump, who is reportedly between 6 feet and 6 inches tall, declared: “There will be no boxes or artificial lifts used in my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris.” He added: “And the Democrats cheat enough. ‘You are who you are,’ it was determined!” This focus on height is reminiscent of Trump’s previous debates, most notably in 2016 when he towered over Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump’s physical presence during that debate was widely noted, with his habit of lurking behind Clinton as she spoke becoming a point of parody on shows like Saturday Night Liveas stated in Yahoo’s report.

Harris’ request

In response to the debate rules, Kamala Harris’ campaign has also raised concerns. Harris, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall, has expressed reservations about ABC News’ decision to mute candidates’ microphones when it is not their turn to speak.

In a letter to the network, her campaign argued that the format would “disadvantage” Harris, a former prosecutor known for her sharp interrogation skills. The campaign suggested that the muted microphones would shield Trump from direct exchanges, a key element of the debate.

A source familiar with the debate preparations told CNN that ABC is considering turning on the microphones at certain points so the audience can hear the candidates’ responses, a move that would add an extra layer of complexity to the debate format, according to Yahoo.

Debate details and broadcast information

The debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 at 9 p.m. local time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The event will be broadcast live by ABC News, with no audience in the room due to ongoing concerns.

The debate, moderated by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, will last 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks. The issue of muted microphones has been particularly contentious, with both sides accusing the other of cowardice on the issue. ABC has clarified that each candidate’s microphone will only be active during their designated speaking time, to ensure interruptions are kept to a minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the 2024 US election?

The US elections will be held on November 5 this year.

When is the first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?

The first confrontation between Trump and Harris will take place on September 10 at 9 p.m. local time.