Complete Guide to the Harris-Trump Debate
What You Need to Know
Topic:
Politics
by MPeriod
Posted 1 month ago
The highly anticipated face-off between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump will take place on Tuesday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This event marks the first presidential debate for the 2024 election cycle and is set to be a key moment for both candidates to address the nation and present their platforms.
Debate Details: When and How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, Sept. 10th 2024
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Location: National Constitution Center, Philadelphia
- Moderators: ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis
- How to Watch:
- Broadcast: ABC News
- Streaming: ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu
This televised debate offers voters a critical look at both candidates as the November 5 election date nears. The debate will be accessible to a wide audience, thanks to simultaneous broadcasts on multiple platforms.
Who Are the Moderators?
- Linsey Davis: Davis is a renowned ABC News correspondent and the anchor of "Prime" on ABC News Live. Known for her hard-hitting interviews and journalistic integrity, Davis brings a wealth of experience to the debate stage. She has moderated previous presidential debates and is celebrated for her ability to press candidates on tough issues.
- David Muir: Muir is the anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," and a seasoned journalist with years of experience covering politics, global events, and breaking news. His role in moderating presidential debates has earned him a reputation for steering discussions toward substantive and relevant topics.
Key Debate Rules and Format
The ground rules for this debate were the result of some negotiation between the two campaigns, especially after Trump initially suggested backing out and Harris’s team pushed for muted microphones. However, both sides ultimately agreed to the terms outlined by ABC News, ensuring the debate will run smoothly and avoid some of the chaotic disruptions that have marred past debates.
1. No Live Audience
For the second time in this election cycle, the debate will not have a live studio audience, similar to the June debate. This rule was implemented to maintain focus on the candidates' discussions and minimize potential disruptions.
2. Muted Microphones
One of the most significant features of the debate is the muting of microphones. Microphones will only be live when it is a candidate’s turn to speak, preventing interruptions during key points. This measure has been widely viewed as a way to ensure that both candidates are given the opportunity to make their points uninterrupted.
3. No Opening Statements
Unlike past debates, this event will not feature opening statements. Instead, the moderators will immediately begin with a question after introducing the candidates. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond, followed by one-minute rebuttals.
4. Closing Statements
Although there are no opening remarks, both Harris and Trump will have an opportunity to deliver a two-minute closing statement. A virtual coin flip determined the order, with Trump winning the toss and choosing to speak last.
5. Identical Setup
Both candidates will stand at identical lecterns for the entire 90 minutes. This uniform setup is meant to avoid distractions and keep the debate focused on content rather than style.
6. Commercial Breaks
The debate will feature two commercial breaks, a departure from the traditional uninterrupted format. However, the candidates will not be allowed to communicate with their campaign teams during these intermissions, meaning they won’t have the opportunity for strategic consultations or touch-ups.
Key Issues and What to Expect
While the debate topics remain unknown, key themes are likely to include the economy, national security, healthcare, and climate change, all of which are critical to voters as the election approaches. With both candidates coming from vastly different political backgrounds, the contrast between their policy proposals and leadership styles will likely be front and center.
Why This Debate Matters
This first debate will be a critical opportunity for Harris and Trump to connect with undecided voters and shore up support. As both candidates have high name recognition, it’s less about introductions and more about solidifying their message. Given the high stakes, each candidate will seek to avoid missteps that could sway public opinion in this pivotal moment of the election season.
This debate is poised to be one of the most-watched political events of the year, and with the stringent rules in place, it promises to be a focused, substantive exchange of ideas. Be sure to tune in and see how both candidates make their case to the American public as Election Day looms on the horizon.
As the first Harris-Trump debate approaches, the nation awaits to see how both candidates will present their vision for the future. This debate marks a crucial point in the 2024 election cycle, and its impact could be significant in shaping the narrative leading up to November 5.
For more information on the upcoming election and how to stay informed, be sure to visit ABC News or tune in on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
