Vice President Kamala Harris has issued a formal challenge to Sen. J.D. Vance, the newly announced Republican vice presidential nominee, for a debate slated on Aug. 13, as reported by MSNBC late Tuesday.
The debate, proposed by Harris for CBS News, is set to occur six days before the Democratic nominating convention in Chicago, pending agreement from Vance.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that negotiations between Harris and Vance have yet to resolve differences over the debate’s network partner and format.
However, with Vance now confirmed as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, discussions are expected to commence.
Harris, in a congratulatory voicemail to Vance upon his selection, urged him to accept the CBS debate, according to insiders.
The Biden campaign has expressed readiness for the debate, with campaign spokesman T.J. Ducklo stating:
“Vice President Harris is prepared to debate J.D. Vance,” affirming acceptance of CBS News’ proposal.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, speaking on a Biden campaign call, emphasized Harris’ readiness and the anticipated focus on economic issues during the debate. Warren remarked:
“The V.P. will take it to J.D. Vance.”
Trump’s interest in finding a formidable opponent for Harris led to Vance’s selection, following his standout performance during the 2022 Senate campaign.
Vance’s approach during a heated primary debate, where he contrasted himself as a more composed figure amidst escalating tensions among opponents, notably impressed Trump.
While CBS is poised to host the debate in one of its studios, Virginia State University remains a potential venue, originally slated for a nonpartisan debate.
Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have advocated for the historic significance of hosting such an event at a historically Black college or university.
