Historic Showdown Set for September 10 at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center
The stage is set for an electrifying debate between former President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024. This highly anticipated 90 minute face-off, hosted by ABC, will take place at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, marking the first direct encounter between the two prominent figures in this election cycle.
The debate will be conducted without a live audience or open microphones, a format that the Harris camp argues puts them at a disadvantage. In a letter to ABC obtained by The Washington Post, Harris’ team expressed concerns that the muted microphones would hinder the possibility of spontaneous interactions with Trump.
Trump’s campaign has defended the debate’s structure, with senior adviser Jason Miller stating that the terms align with those of the previous debate with President Joe Biden, who has since withdrawn from the race and endorsed Harris.
The debate will be moderated by David Muir, anchor of ABC News Live Prime, and Linsey Davis, anchor of World News Tonight. It will air at 9 p.m. ET on ABC News and be streamed across ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, and Fox News, with two commercial breaks
The debate will follow a strict format: no opening remarks, no advance access to topics, and two-minute responses for each question. Candidates will have two minutes for rebuttals and one minute for any additional points. Props and pre-prepared notes are prohibited, ensuring a focus on spontaneous responses and direct engagement.
Trump won a coin toss to choose his podium position, opting to speak last. Harris will stand at the right side of the podium, a strategic choice following the coin toss.
Potential Strategies and Topics
Trump, known for his aggressive debating style, is expected to target Harris on various issues, including immigration, taxation, and foreign policy. His past criticisms of Harris have been both personal and political, setting the stage for a potentially contentious exchange.
Harris, a former California Attorney General and a seasoned debater, is likely to leverage her prosecutorial skills and previous debate experience against Trump. Her strong performance in the 2020 vice-presidential debate and her incisive questioning during Senate hearings could prove advantageous in countering Trump’s rhetoric.
Following this debate, the next high-profile match-up will feature Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, and Tim Walz, Harris’ VP pick, on October 1 in New York City, hosted by CBS News.
As the 2024 campaign season heats up, this debate promises to be a defining moment in shaping voter perceptions and setting the tone for the remainder of the election cycle.
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