Tonight, the much-anticipated first debate between the two presidential contenders will take place in the birthplace of American Democracy.
With the November 5 election fast approaching, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet on stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia tonight at 9 p.m. ET. ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate, which could also be the only one held during this campaign season.
The decision to hold the debate in the National Constitution Center, located near Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, symbolizes the importance of American principles for tonight’s event.
The stakes for the debate are particularly high, as recent polling from The New York Times/Siena College shows that 28% of likely voters are still uncertain about Harris’s positions, while only 9% say they need more information on Trump. With a spotlight on both candidates, Democratic strategist Bakari Sellers suggested Harris needs to make a strong case, saying, “It’s crucial that she hits Trump hard while clearly laying out her vision for the future.”
Less than 48 hours before the debate, Harris’s team posted a detailed list of policy priorities on her campaign site. These are grouped into four categories: the economy, personal freedoms, safety, and national security. This release comes after questions regarding her policy shifts since her 2020 primary run, particularly on key issues like Medicare-For-All and fracking. Senator Bernie Sanders, asked about her evolving positions, remarked, “She’s trying to be pragmatic and make the choices she believes will win her the election.”
Key topics expected to dominate tonight’s discussion include economic concerns, especially the high inflation seen over the past few years, and the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the southern border and immigration. Harris’s record as a prosecutor is also likely to come under scrutiny, as well as Trump’s legal challenges and the events of January 6. Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore commented, “If Trump can stay focused on the issues and hammer Harris on her inconsistencies, he’ll be in a strong position.”
Like the previous Trump-Biden debate, tonight’s event will have no live audience, and each candidate’s microphone will be muted when it isn’t their turn to speak. They will not be permitted to use notes or consult with staff during breaks. The debate will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on multiple platforms, including ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, and USA TODAY’s digital channels. While opening statements are excluded, each will have under two minutes for closing remarks. The debate format will allow two minutes for responses to questions and rebuttals, with an additional minute available for clarifications.
Harris’s campaign initially resisted some of the agreed-upon rules, particularly the use of muted microphones. In a letter obtained by CBS News, her team argued that this would hinder her ability to directly challenge Trump, stating, “As a former prosecutor, the Vice President will be at a disadvantage, as this format shields Donald Trump from direct confrontation.” Trump, speaking at a recent rally, downplayed the issue, stating, “We agreed to the same rules. I didn’t like it last time, but it worked fine.”
