In a surprising twist ahead of tomorrow’s much-anticipated ABC News Presidential Debate, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi raised eyebrows by suggesting the event might not even happen.
The debate, which is set to pit Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump, could be in jeopardy, according to Pelosi’s cryptic comments. During an interview at the Texas Tribune Festival over the weekend, Pelosi was asked by journalist Kara Swisher if she had any advice for Trump ahead of the debate. What followed left many puzzled.
Swisher began by asking Pelosi, “What advice would you give Donald Trump for the debate? You’re super close, I know,” she said jokingly. Pelosi, without hesitation, fired back with a hint of skepticism, “My advice? Do you think he’s going to show up?” she asked.
Swisher responded confidently, “I do.” But Pelosi, clearly unconvinced, pressed on. Her tone raised the question that perhaps she knew something others did not.
When Swisher asked, “Do you know something I don’t know?” Pelosi delivered the sharp remark, “I know cowardice when I see it.”
At #TribFest24 @karaswisher asks @SpeakerPelosi if she has advice for Trump ahead of the debate.
Pelosi: “Do you think he’s going to show up?”
Swisher: “I do. Do you know something I don’t know?”
Pelosi: “I know cowardice when I see it.” pic.twitter.com/4UHjygR2xc— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) September 7, 2024
Her comment immediately set off speculation that the former Speaker may have information suggesting Trump could back out of the debate. Trump and Harris are set to face off for the first time in what many expect to be a fiery exchange.
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In response, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung fired back, dismissing Pelosi’s comments. “Nancy Pelosi has no idea what she is talking about and has been proven to be a liar and fraud. If she isn’t busy giving herself fake titles to make herself feel better, she’s peddling fake news because it’s the only thing she’s ever done,” Cheung told Fox News.
The upcoming debate between Trump and Harris was uncertain until last week, as both candidates expressed their dissatisfaction with some of the initial terms. Trump has been preparing with guidance from allies like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, especially as the political landscape shifted dramatically following the last debate between Trump and Joe Biden.
Tuesday’s spectacle is set to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and is being organized by ABC News. It might be the only opportunity for Trump and Harris to confront each other directly on the debate stage. Originally, the president and former president had consented to two debates—one on CNN in June and another on ABC in September. However, the plan was disrupted when Biden withdrew from the race in July. The 90-minute debate will be moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis and will occur without a live audience. It will include two commercial breaks, during which candidates’ campaign staff are prohibited from interacting with them. The setup is similar to the rules used during the CNN debate.
Trump had voiced reluctance to participate, levying criticism at the network, but he reconsidered after Harris accused him of avoiding the debate. He agreed to the September 10 event and suggested additional debates on Fox and NBC News. Harris, however, confirmed her participation only in the ABC debate.
The format includes two minutes for each candidate to respond to questions and for rebuttals, plus an extra minute for any follow-up or clarification. No props or prepared notes are allowed on stage. The debate will conclude with each candidate delivering a two-minute closing statement. Trump will make the final statement after a coin toss, as confirmed by ABC. No opening statements will be given.
