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Tuesday, Aug. 06, 2024

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Trump just turned the Sept. 10 debate into a win-win for Kamala Harris

By Zeeshan Aleem

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly chickening out of the second presidential debate, insisting on a new date, setting and format that he thinks will favor him. But Vice President Kamala Harris, the de facto Democratic presidential nominee, plans to appear at the initially scheduled place and time — Sept. 10 on ABC — regardless of whether or not Trump shows. It's a smart move that'll help lay bare both Trump's self-doubt and his lack of interest in anything civic-minded that doesn't help him.

For months, Trump obsessed over the idea of a debate against President Joe Biden, framing his eagerness as "for the good of the country." He told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last year that he was ready to do "10 debates" with the president. In May, Biden's and Trump's campaigns agreed on the format for two presidential debates. And after Biden's disastrous first debate performance, Trump didn't express hesitation over the second debate scheduled for September and moderated by ABC News.

This is a preview of Zeeshan Aleem's latest article. Read the full column here.

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The most confounding similarity between Elon Musk and Donald Trump

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STEVE BENEN

In Arizona's fake elector case, Jenna Ellis agrees to cooperate

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Gorsuch's comments on Supreme Court reform were quite curious

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JACQUES BERLINERBLAU

The moment in Joe Rogan's Netflix special that told us all we need to know about his fans

If Rogan is a mouthpiece for his fan's interests, then what did his comedy special teach us about those who adore him? Read more.

MSNBC LIVE: DEMOCRACY 2024

On Saturday, September 7th, you can attend "MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024," our inaugural fan event in Brooklyn, New York. Hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and take part in a sit-down dinner for an insider's view of this critical moment in our democracy. Buy your tickets now.

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RACHEL MADDOW

'Where did the cash go?': Maddow looks for clues in new report about Trump, Egypt and $10 million

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MORE FROM MSNBC

Tonight, following Vice President Harris' announcement of her running mate, Rachel Maddow and team will lead analysis of what this means for the 2024 presidential race. Special coverage begins tonight at 6 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

On Sunday, MSNBC Films presents "To Be Destroyed," the latest installment of "The Turning Point" documentary series from Executive Producer Trevor Noah. The feature documentary explores a South Dakota community's fight against book banning after five books – including one by best-selling author Dave Eggers – were pulled from the shelves. Then, stay with MSNBC for the premiere of "It's Okay," a documentary short produced by Jesse Tyler Ferguson about embracing differences in small town America. Watch "To Be Destroyed" and "It's Okay" on Sunday beginning at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

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