[Anchor]
Harris and Trump, the confirmed candidates for the U.S. presidential election that is coming to an end, are now entering the full-fledged campaign stage.
The tension is fierce surrounding the first TV debate.
Reporter Seo Ju-hee.
[Reporter]
The first TV debate of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, which is just two weeks away.
The rules of the debate have sparked conflict between the two sides, raising red flags.
The Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ side requested to keep the microphone on throughout the debate, while the Republican candidate Donald Trump’s side insists that the microphone should be turned off during the opponent’s speech.
The Harris camp stated that “Trump finds it difficult to appear presidential for the full 90 minutes, so he prefers muting the microphone.”
During the debate with President Biden last June, spontaneous remarks were concealed when the microphone was turned off, which reportedly helped Trump.
Trump hinted at skipping the debate, claiming that the hosting broadcaster is biased.
[Donald Trump / U.S. Republican Presidential Candidate]
“I saw the hostility of ABC and thought, ‘Why should I participate in this TV debate?’ I proposed to work with other broadcasters.”
Meanwhile, Trump brought up the issue of defense spending once again, seeking burden-sharing among NATO members.
“NATO countries should spend 3% of GDP on defense. Spending 2% is considered theft of the century,” he even said.
A deputy director of the U.S. conservative think tank Heritage Foundation advised during an interview with Channel A that Korea should also increase defense spending.
[Derek Morgan / Deputy Director of Heritage Foundation]
“If defense spending is cut, we will have to face a more aggressive China. It is better to increase overall defense spending to avoid provocation.”
On the other hand, Harris continues to follow the Biden administration’s policy of strengthening alliances, saying, “We do not turn our backs on allies.”
Channel A News, Seo Ju-hee.
Video filming: Kim Young-soo
Video editing: Lee Hee-jung