as the highly anticipated September 10th debate between former president Donald Trump and vice president kamla Harris approaches both candidates have raised concerns over the events rules Trump the GOP Presidential nominee took to his platform truth social to criticize the use of boxes or artificial lifts to enhance height during the debate calling such measures a form of cheating drawing parallels to his 2020 primary debate with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Trump insisted that you are who you are should apply to the event Trump's statement underscores his past debates particularly with Hillary Clinton in 2016 where his towering stature became a point of media discussion most notably during a debate where he stood behind Clinton as she spoke meanwhile Harris's campaign raised objections to ABC's plan to mute candidates microphones when it's not their turn to speak her team argued that the format could disadvantage her by preventing direct exchanges with Trump Harris a former prosecutor known for her sharp questioning style would be unable to challenge Trump's statements in real time which her team claims could benefit the former president Trump's team in contrast is supportive of the rule which would prevent interruptions a common feature in Trump's past debates the debate rules are still being finalized but the concerns from both sides point to a tense Showdown for Trump the Optics of height and dominance seem to be key while for Harris the ability to engage directly and forcefully is critical as the event approaches these rule disputes highlight the importance of perception and strategy in what promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race