Image credits - The Economic Times
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Betting odds for the 2024 presidential race show a tight contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the dust settles from the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Recent betting activity has seen a notable surge, with Harris either leading narrowly or tied with Trump, depending on the bookmaker.
Offshore betting markets, such as Bovada and BetOnline, show Harris as a slight favorite, while U.K. bookmakers Bet365 and Betfair reflect a dead heat between the two candidates. This fluctuation highlights the volatility in the betting landscape, driven by the post-DNC momentum.
During the week following the DNC, U.K. bookmaker Betfair Exchange saw over $5.125 million wagered, reflecting intense interest and shifting dynamics in the race. However, the initial boost in betting favoring Harris has cooled in recent weeks, suggesting a stabilizing of public sentiment and strategic positioning by both campaigns.Amidst these developments, a fresh dispute has emerged over the terms of a potential debate between Harris and Trump. Trump’s campaign has raised doubts about the September 10 debate scheduled to air on ABC, citing disagreements over microphone rules. The Trump team is advocating for a format where microphones are muted except for the candidate speaking, akin to the first debate with President Joe Biden.
In contrast, the Harris campaign is pushing for both candidates’ microphones to remain live throughout the debate, a significant shift from the previous debate formats. Brian Fallon, a senior adviser for Harris, criticized Trump’s team for what he described as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. “We have told ABC and other networks that both candidates’ mics should be live throughout the full broadcast,” Fallon stated. He suggested that Trump’s preference for muted microphones might reflect doubts about his ability to handle a full debate without the benefit of controlled interruptions.
Trump’s campaign, represented by senior adviser Jason Miller, countered by asserting that the agreement for the ABC debate was based on the same terms as the earlier CNN debate. “Enough with the games. We accepted the ABC debate under the exact same terms as the CNN debate,” Miller said.
This ongoing debate over debate rules adds another layer of complexity to an already intense election cycle. As both candidates prepare for the high-stakes debates, their campaigns continue to navigate the shifting terrain of public opinion and electoral strategy.