Kathmandu, Aug 4: Rhetoric and tension continue to mount as the US presidential election approaches. Ahead of the first debate between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, a heated exchange has erupted on social media.

Both candidates want to debate on different TV channels and dates. Kamala Harris prefers a debate on ABC News on September 10, while Trump favors Fox News on September 4. The presidential election is set for November 5.

“The rules will be the same as the first debate with President Joe Biden,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday night. He announced his intention to appear on Fox News in Pennsylvania on September 4. Trump also mentioned he would hold a town hall with Fox News if Harris did not agree to the new network and date.

Trump’s second debate with Biden had been scheduled for September 10 on Fox News. He insists the debate remain on Fox, but occur on September 4.

Kamala Harris, however, wants the debate on ABC and on the originally fixed date of September 10. Following the first Biden-Trump debate, Biden appeared weak, creating unrest within his party.

Harris’s spokesman, Michael Tyler, stated that Trump was scared. Trump accused ABC of favoritism, claiming his legal case is ongoing with them. He declared the ABC debate moot since Biden is no longer in the race.

US news networks are accused of being divided along partisan lines, with Fox News considered conservative and ABC seen as Democrat-leaning. Kamala Harris accused Trump of seeking to debate on Fox News for protection.