Harris hunkers down, Trump trashes ABC in debate lead-up

WASHINGTON (TND) — Both candidates are taking different approaches as they get ready for the highly anticipated presidential debatenext week.

Former President Donald Trump spent time bashing the debate's host network, ABC, during a town hall on Fox News.

“I agreed to do it because they wouldn’t do any other network. The other thing is, her best friend is the head of the network. Her husband’s best friend is married to the head of the network," Trump told host Sean Hannity.

Trump appeared to be talking about Dana Walden, a Disney executive who oversees ABC. Walden has been friends with Harris for 30 years and donated to her campaign along with hosting a fundraiser for her,according to the New York Times.

ABC News said Walden is not involved in their news-making decisions. Trump also claimed the network would collude with Harris.

They’re going to get the questions, I’ve already heard they’re going to get the questions in advance," Trump said without elaborating.

Meanwhile, the vice president arrived in Pittsburgh Thursday afternoon. She’s expected to huddle in the Steel City to prepare for Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia.

“They're going to be in debate camp mode right? So some of this is going to be like, let's camp out and do some day trips, right? They aren't going to tax the candidate too much get back and do more prep," said Jamal Simmons. Simmons previously served as the communications director for the Vice President's office.

Part of Harris' debate prep reportedly also includes mock debates or run-throughs with a Trump stand-in.

Wake Forest political communications expert Nate French said that with a debate so close to the election, and with early voting starting in some places this month, both candidates will need to make a clear pitch to voters.

“If I’m in the Trump campaign, I want to try and build on what I’ve said. I've said she’s a lightweight and she doesn’t know policy. Push her on immigration and push her on the economy," French said.

We have to give her credit for being a prosecutor and that’s where her focus is. She’s one where the devil is in the details, she’ll push Trump. He doesn’t like being challenged, he doesn’t like being questioned.”

Former Hawaii Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is now part of a group of advisors helping Trump prepare for the debate. Gabbard endorsed Trump and has first-hand experience debating Harris on stage during the 2020 Democratic primary campaign.