Presidential Debate Betting: Trump And Staff At Odds Over Muted Mics

a microphone on a stand in front of a large USA flag

ABC was initially scheduled to host the second debate between President Biden and Donald Trump on September 10th. However, following Biden’s disastrous performance during their first debate in June, he exited the race after tremendous pressure was applied by his own party to drop out.

Vice President Kamala Harris became the defacto candidate for the Democratic Party, immediately changing their fortunes. Biden appeared to be a sure loser, but Harris has shown the potential to be a legitimate candidate alongside Trump.

18+ political sportsbooks immediately placed Trump and Harris in a dead heat according to the election odds. Harris fared even better in the polls, leading in several battleground states, and among several key demographics.

In fact, Kamala jumped out to a healthy lead at most books, but they are now within 10 to 20 points of each other across the board. Where the odds are far apart is in the current debate prop bets.

Debate odds are offered at most of the gambling sites included in our 18-friendly sportsbook reviews, and Harris is well out in front at each of them. Here is the latest line posted at Bovada.

ABC Debate Sept 10th: Debate Winner According To ABC Poll

  • Kamala Harris -250
  • Donald Trump +185

A Truth Social post made by Trump on Sunday evening brought into question whether he’d be willing to participate in a debate hosted by ABC. It appears to be typical rhetoric from Trump, but these comments can often build steam with his base, forcing him to take action on them.

If Trump withdraws from the September 10th debate for any reason, all related political prop bets will be omitted, and wagers will be refunded.

For now, online gambling sites have to operate as if it will happen. There are a number of debate props available that project a number of outcomes for both candidates. We can safely say only two candidates will take the stage now that Robert Kennedy Jr. has suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump.

The odds imply that Donald will undoubtedly sport a red tie for the ABC debate. Harris’s home state of California and the battleground state of Pennsylvania are the most likely regions to be mentioned by either candidate.

Harris is predicted to wear a blue outfit, with black being the only other contending color of her attire. Payouts in excess of 7-to-1 are offered for any outfit other than black and blue.

The tenor of Trump’s comments will be colored by the following zingers if the odds are accurate:

  • “Three and a half years”
  • “Violent crime”
  • “Inflation crisis”
  • “Comrade Kamala Harris”
  • “Most unpopular vice president in history”
  • “Nation in decline”

Harris’s implied tone for the debate is a mixture of lobbed attacks at Donald and a splash of her own campaign messaging.

  • “Project 2025”
  • “Opportunity economy”
  • “Not going back”
  • “Playing politics with our security”
  • “American Dream”
  • “Rule of law”
  • “Elon Musk”
  • “Peaceful transfer of power”

Any of the above statements will need to be uttered verbatim for bets to be graded as winners.

There also appears to be no doubt regarding the comradery of the two candidates, as no handshake is forecast at any time prior to, during, or after the debate.

ABC Debate Sept 10th: Will Harris and Trump shake hands?

  • Yes +265
  • No -380

Due to the uncertainty surrounding September 10th from Trump’s camp, Harris will not agree to a second debate until he appears at the first. If Donald doesn’t show up, this election cycle could conclude without a debate between the leading candidates.

CNN, The Hill