Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will square off in their first national debate on September 10 in a highly anticipated occurrence that may influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential vote. The November 5 election, which is just months ahead, will mark a crucial time in the competition for the White House.
The path to the conversation
This debate has not been a easy process. Trump first objected to a controversy with Harris, saying he had only join if she won the Democratic nomination. That achievement was made last week at the Democratic National Convention, where Harris was fully nominated following Joe Biden’s resignation. With the election confirmed, Trump quickly shifted cogs, agreeing to the argument but raising issues about the use of “hot microphones” that may get off-the-cuff notes during the event.
But, on Tuesday, Trump announced that he had “reached an deal” with the Harris strategy to deal with the conversation, hosted by ABC News, a community he has frequently criticized as being biased against him.
Discussion details
The debate will take place at 9 pm EDT on Tuesday ( 6: 30 am on Wednesday in India ), September 10, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a pivotal battleground state in this election, and the location of the Liberty Bell and a gallery dedicated to the US Constitution, which highlight the fundamental rules at play in this election, is symbolic.
How to view
Moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, the conversation will be live-streamed on different websites. The style is anticipated to follow the law set by a previous conversation between Biden and Trump in June, which featured muted speakers when individuals were not speaking and excluded a live market to keep the candidates ‘ attention on their actions.
Ground rules and format
Both campaigns have agreed to the same rules as the June debate, which include muted microphones when candidates are not speaking, no live audience, and no props. The candidates will have brief pauses during the debate as there will be two commercial breaks in what is anticipated to be a heated exchange of ideas and accusations.
The candidates on stage
Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, are the only candidates currently expected to take the stage. Third-party candidates must meet stringent requirements, including appearing on at least 15 % of state ballots and receiving at least 15 % support in four national polls, before being eligible for the debate until September 3. Given these requirements, it is unlikely that any third-party candidates will join Harris and Trump in this crucial debate.
What’s at stake
This debate will be a crucial opportunity for both candidates to sway undecided voters and strengthen their base as the general election is just weeks away. It’s a chance for Trump to reaffirm his authority and demonstrate his viability in the political world. It’s an opportunity for Harris to step out of Biden’s shadow and establish herself as a strong leader who is prepared to take the title of president in the land.
