The first-ever high-stakes presidential debate will take place tonight between former president Donald Trump and vice president Kamalah Harris.
The showdown is a crucial moment for the presidential race of 2024 and gives voters an opportunity to see the contrasting views the two candidates have about the future of America.
This may be their only chance to make their case in front of an audience at large, after a hectic campaign.
This debate will be crucial for both candidates, as President Biden endorsed Harris in July after he withdrew from the race.
When and where is the next debate?
Trump and Harris will debate on Tuesday, 9 September at 9:00 p.m. ET.
The event will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, an iconic venue located in Pennsylvania’s battleground state.
The event, which will not have a live audience present, allows the candidates to concentrate on the issues that are most pressing without having the normal reactions of the crowd.
This debate comes after a turbulent election season, which saw major changes in the political scene.
After a disappointing performance at the debate in June, President Biden stepped down, giving Harris the opportunity to take the stage.
Trump has won the Republican nomination after having survived an attempted assassination earlier in the year.
Start time of the debate and how to view
It is scheduled to start at 9:00 p.m. ET.
ABC News will broadcast the live event, and prominent anchors David Muir & Linsey DAvis will moderate.
The coverage will be comprehensive, beginning with a special in primetime on NBC News starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Lester Holt & Savannah Guthrie, the anchors of Lester Holt & Savannah Guthrie’s pre-debate analyses will provide viewers with insights on what they can expect.
You can watch live on a variety of platforms including:
- NBC News
- NBC 4 New York stream channel is available for free via platforms such as Peacock TV, YouTube, Samsung TV Plus and the NBC News App.
- ABC News for direct coverage at 9 p.m. ET
The debate will be accessible for all, even those who cannot watch it on TV. Streaming options are available through major platforms, making the event more widely accessible.
Rules and formats for debate
ABC News has set out rules for a fair and structured debate. The candidates will each have two minutes for answering each question. They can also use the additional time of two minutes for rebuttal.
This debate has an unusual feature: the muted mics. When one candidate speaks, the microphone of the other participant will be switched off.
No opening statement will be made. The debate will instead focus on the questions asked by the moderators.
Trump will deliver his final remarks after a coin-toss, which gave him that choice.
The debate tonight will focus on the economy and foreign policy and how candidates intend to deal with pressing issues such as inflation, healthcare and national security.
Harris will try to convince the voters she is ready to be in charge. She has established herself as an experienced leader who can handle a difficult political climate.
Trump will, however, likely rely on his tenure as president to promote his policies, which he believes are key in revitalizing America’s economy and improving its global standing.
The debate: What you can expect
The debate tonight comes at an important time in the race for 2024. Harris spent months solidifying herself as the Democratic nominee after a difficult summer. Trump, meanwhile, continues to dominate despite major challenges.
This event will showcase how the different candidates approach leadership and policies.
Harris will be expected to highlight her experiences as vice president and her willingness to take on the role of commander-in-chief.
Trump is known for his strong rhetoric. He will likely double-down on the core promises he made during his campaign, including reviving his economy, cutting his taxes and tightening his immigration policy.
The high stakes tonight will set the tone of the last stretch of campaigning. The candidates must be on their toes, because any mistake could have a significant impact on the outcome of this campaign.
The debate will give viewers a chance to see the candidates in their natural state. It could also help them get a better idea of how the future four years may look.
The Trump-Harris presidential debate will be one of the most important moments in 2024, as both candidates are aiming to influence undecided votes in the last push up until Election Day. Watch this important event in American Politics tonight.
The ICD published the following post: Trump vs. Harris Presidential debate tonight: start time, streaming information, and how to view.
