As Election Day is less than two months away, the first and possibly only presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will take place this week with many Americans still trying to decide who they will vote for on Nov. 5.
A new poll released by The New York Times and Siena College found the former Republican president, Trump, had a slight edge over Harris at this point in the campaign season. However, that same poll found 28 percent of likely voters need to hear more from the Democratic nominee, Harris, on policy and plans for the White House compared to 9 percent saying the same for Trump.
In short, that means a lot rides on Tuesday’s event, which perhaps could be the only time voters get to see the two candidates go head-to-head. Here’s what to know about the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
When and where is the debate?
The 90-minute debate begins at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Pennsylvania is one of seven battleground states that could help determine the outcome of the election with 19 electoral votes.
Who is putting on the debate?
The debate will be hosted by ABC News and moderated by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and ABC News Live “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis.
How to watch the debate
The debate will be simulcasted on various networks in addition to ABC News. That includes CNN, Fox News, and CBS. Viewers can also watch the debate on ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+, among other streaming platforms.
Is this the first debate in 2024?
Not technically. President Joe Biden and Trump took the stage in a June debate put on by CNN. However, a rambling performance from Biden resulted in the incumbent dropping out and being replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris. This will be the first debate between Harris and Trump, though.
What are the rules for the debate?
In the weeks leading up to the primetime event, the campaigns squabbled over what should and should not be allowed. In the end, the two sides agreed to what were virtually the same terms set for the CNN debate – including muted microphones while their opponent is speaking, no prewritten notes on stage, no live audience, and no interaction with campaign staff during live segments or commercial breaks.
A coin flip determined that Harris would stand on the left side of the stage, while Trump would deliver the final closing statement. Each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements. There will be no opening statements. They will have two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for rebuttals, and an extra minute for follow-ups or clarifications.
Will there be any more debates?
As of now, no other debates between Harris and Trump have been agreed upon, although both candidates have publicly stated how they would like for at least one more to happen before Election Day. Vice presidential nominees, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance, will face off on Oct. 1 on CBS News.
