Claims of Debate Favoritism Toward Harris Leveled by ABC News Staffer
An explosive affidavit has surfaced, alleging that ABC News conspired with Kamala Harris's team to give her an upper hand in the recent debate against Donald Trump.
The document claims ABC News compromised the debate's integrity by leaking questions to Harris and setting restrictive rules, as the Daily Mail reports.
The affidavit, described as sworn and notarized, first appeared on social media over the weekend. It was penned by an alleged ABC News staffer, claiming over a decade of service at the network.
Published by the X account "Black Insurrectionist," the document quickly garnered widespread attention, sparking debates and discussions across various platforms.
According to the affidavit, ABC News not only provided Harris with the questions in advance but also agreed to certain conditions that would favor her over Trump.
Detailed Allegations Surface Against ABC News
The document details specific restrictions during the debate, such as prohibiting questions about Harris’s tenure as California attorney general and about her brother-in-law, Tony West.
It also accuses ABC News of giving Harris favorable visual setups, like a smaller podium and advantageous camera angles, contrasting with the treatment given to Trump.
The affidavit claims Harris was shielded from on-the-spot fact-checking, a courtesy not extended to Trump, highlighting an alleged bias within the network.
ABC News Responds to Allegations
In response, ABC News has denied these allegations, insisting that the moderators strictly adhered to the rules agreed upon by both campaigns.
The network's statement emphasized fairness, denying any foreknowledge of debate topics or questions by the candidates or their teams.
“ABC News followed the debate rules that both campaigns agreed on... No topics or questions will be shared in advance with campaigns or candidates,” the statement read.
Further Details from the Whistleblower
The alleged staffer underscored their lengthy career at ABC News, witnessing changes in the network's approach to news reporting.
“I have worked for ABC news for over 10 years in various technical and administrative positions...observed significant transformations in the nature of news reporting at the organization,” the affidavit stated.
This claim is supplemented by another, “It is common knowledge that Debate Moderators as well as Chief Executive Officers of my employer are well known not to support Donald Trump,” further alleging a biased atmosphere within the news organization.
Political Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The document and its explosive allegations have not only circulated on social media but have also caught the attention of political figures.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and entrepreneur Elon Musk are among the prominent figures who have commented on or shared the document, amplifying its reach and the scrutiny of ABC News.
The controversy has reignited discussions about media impartiality and the ethics of debate management.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The affidavit's author has also reportedly forwarded a copy to House Speaker Mike Johnson, potentially setting the stage for a formal investigation.
Meanwhile, the allegations against Tony West regarding embezzlement remain unsubstantiated and part of a broader narrative of alleged corruption tied to the Harris campaign, but whether any of these claims will gain traction, only time will tell.