Donald Trump & Kamala Harris to Face Off
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to Face Off in Historic 2024 Presidential Debate
The highly anticipated first presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election cycle between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris is set to take place on Tuesday, September 10th at 9 pm ET. The 90-minute debate, hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be a pivotal moment in one of the most dramatic White House races in recent history.
High Stakes for Both Candidates
With the election just two months away, the stakes could not be higher for both Trump and Harris. The two candidates are currently neck-and-neck in the polls, making this debate a potential game-changer. For Harris, 59, it is a critical opportunity to win over voters who still know little about her, as she suddenly replaced President Joe Biden in July after his withdrawal from the race. Trump, 78, will aim to box in Harris on key issues like the economy and immigration while also potentially unleashing personal attacks.
Debate Rules and Format
The debate will follow a similar format to the previous Trump-Biden debates, with a few key differences. The candidates’ microphones will be muted when they are not speaking, a rule requested by Trump’s team. Harris’ campaign initially opposed this, arguing it would “shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President”. However, they ultimately relented to avoid Trump potentially skipping the debate altogether.The debate will feature two-minute answers from each candidate, followed by a two-minute rebuttal and an additional minute for follow-up, clarification, or response. There will be no opening statements, and closing statements will be limited to two minutes per candidate. A coin flip determined that Trump will give the final closing statement and that Harris will stand at the lectern on the right side of the stage.
Potential for a Historic Moment
The debate could make history in multiple ways. If Harris performs well, she has the chance to become the first female, Black, and South Asian president. However, Trump’s experience as a debater and his willingness to engage in personal attacks could pose challenges for Harris. Ultimately, a single zinger or gaffe from either candidate could significantly impact the election outcome.As millions of Americans tune in to watch this historic showdown, the debate is sure to be a defining moment in the 2024 presidential race. With the candidates’ microphones muted at times, the exchanges may lack the full-scale shouting matches of previous years. However, the potential for a bruising confrontation remains high, with Trump’s team comparing the debate to a boxer facing off against Muhammad Ali.
