US Presidential Debate : Kamala Harris-Donald Trump to clash in key Philadelphia debate; when and where to watch

In a potentially game-changing moment for the blockbuster 2024 US presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump will clash in their first and possibly last televised debate Tuesday.

Tens of millions of American voters along with global viewers are expected to tune in to see them finally face off.

The debate follows a tumultuous period in the campaign, notably President Joe Biden's poorly received performance in June, which led to his unexpected withdrawal from the race. His departure from the campaign trail allowed Harris to ascend as the Democratic nominee.

Debate Details: How to watch

The debate will commence at 9 p.m. EDT and is expected to last for 90 minutes. Moderation will be handled by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. The event will be broadcast live on ABC's network, as well as on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Other networks will also carry the debate live, ensuring broad coverage and accessibility.

Location and Significance

The venue for this pivotal debate is the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a location chosen for its symbolic and strategic importance. Pennsylvania, the state hosting the debate, is a key battleground. Trump recently held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he narrowly avoided an assassination attempt. Harris, on the other hand, used Philadelphia as the backdrop for unveiling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in August.

Pennsylvania’s electoral votes were critical in Biden’s 2020 victory, overcoming Trump’s 2016 win in the state, which highlights the significance of this swing state in the current election cycle.

Debate Format and Rules

This debate will be the first time Harris and Trump meet on stage together. For Harris, this marks her first debate appearance since 2020, when she debated then-Vice President Mike Pence amidst COVID-19 restrictions.

The debate format will follow the same rules as the previous June debate, including muted microphones for each candidate while the other is speaking, no live audience, and no use of written notes. These rules were contentious; Biden’s campaign had initially insisted on mic muting to prevent interruptions, a decision some now regret for limiting Trump’s unfiltered responses. Harris’ campaign pushed for all microphones to remain live, reflecting a desire for a more transparent debate.

Harris and Trump: A Strategic Showdown

Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Kamala Harris, often on personal matters, questioning her race and positions on immigration, taxes, and foreign policy. Harris, however, is a seasoned prosecutor, having served as California’s attorney general and San Francisco’s district attorney. Her experience was evident during her vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence in 2020 and in Senate hearings, where she posed sharp questions, notably to Justice Brett Kavanaugh. As she prepares for another potential debate with Trump, her prosecutorial skills may enable her to effectively challenge him, marking his second debate against a female opponent but his first against a seasoned prosecutor.

Future Debates

As of now, there are no additional debates scheduled between Harris and Trump. However, the campaign will feature a vice presidential debate on October 1, hosted by CBS News in New York City. This debate will pit Walz against Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, offering voters another opportunity to gauge the candidates’ positions and strategies.

In summary, the upcoming debate represents a crucial moment in the 2024 election campaign, with both candidates seeking to sway voters in a key swing state. The format and setting of the debate will play a significant role in shaping the final weeks of the campaign.