Image credits - WHYY
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Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in their only scheduled presidential debate on September 10. The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a city known for its historical significance and its pivotal role in the upcoming election.
This debate, moderated by ABC News’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, will begin at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ABC News’s platforms, including ABC News Live, Disney Plus, and Hulu. The Washington Post will provide comprehensive coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern, with anchor Libby Casey and analysis from James Hohmann and JM Rieger. Rhonda Colvin will report live from the debate’s spin room.
The debate comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s unexpected exit from the presidential race, following a challenging performance in his initial debate. Harris, who was quickly endorsed and nominated by the Democratic Party to replace Biden, now faces Trump in a contest that will be closely watched as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters.
Trump, who had initially voiced concerns about the fairness of ABC News, confirmed his participation on August 27 through his Truth Social platform. Despite previous hints of withdrawing, he has agreed to the debate under the terms set forth by the debate commission.
Harris and her team have been preparing intensively for this debate, as she will not only have to navigate Trump’s aggressive debating style but also adapt to the rules established for the event. The debate will feature two-minute answers and rebuttals, with no live audience or opening statements allowed. The candidates will stand behind lecterns and will not be permitted to use notes or props.
The debate format has been a point of contention, particularly regarding the use of microphones. Trump’s campaign has argued for the same rules used in his previous debate with Biden, including muted microphones when not speaking, while Harris’s campaign has expressed concerns that such rules could disadvantage her.
Philadelphia, a key battleground state, will serve as a backdrop for this critical debate. Harris has spent considerable time in Pennsylvania leading up to the event, reflecting the state’s importance in the electoral race. Similarly, Trump has been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, including a recent town-hall-style event in Harrisburg.
As both candidates prepare for this pivotal moment, the debate promises to be a defining event in the 2024 presidential campaign, offering voters a stark contrast between the two leading contenders for the White House.