“We have told ABC and other networks seeking to host a possible October debate that we believe both candidates’ mics should be live throughout the full broadcast,” Brian Fallon, the Harris campaign’s senior adviser for communications, tells POLITICO. “Our understanding is that Trump’s handlers prefer the muted microphone because they don’t think their candidate can act presidential for 90 minutes on his own. We suspect Trump’s team has not even told their boss about this dispute because it would be too embarrassing to admit they don’t think he can handle himself against Vice President Harris without the benefit of a mute button.”

Lmao this is great. Hit him right in the ego. It’s such a hilariously obvious weak spot. I’m going to be a bit surprised if this tactic doesn’t work. And as to whether or not it’s a good idea: I feel pretty confident Harris would be fine in this context, because she’d just put her old DA hat on and refuse to take any bullshit. I’m an order of magnitude more enthusiastic about her potential debate performance than I was about Biden.