The focus is on the Harris-Trump debate in what is shaping up to be a contested 2024 presidential election. This long-awaited contest will happen on Monday, September 10th—four years from yesterday—at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia. Here’s a look at the key moments that led to this little-known scandal.
Date and Location:
The date of the debate is Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia. The event will be moderated by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and ABC News Live reporter Linsey Davis.
Broadcast Information:
The debate will air live on ABC and stream via ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. A pre-debate special, “Race for the White House,” hosted by Martha Raddatz and Jonathan Karl with Mary Bruce and Rachel Scott, will air at 8 p.m. ET.
Format and Rules:
Like prior debates, this one will feature options where each candidate’s mic is live only when they are speaking. There is no studio audience, and candidates cannot confer with their staff or even use notes during the commercial breaks. Job seekers will have just a pen, paper, and offer of water.
Candidates’ Stance:
Trump himself has been somewhat hesitant about the debate, blasting ABC News as host. Leading the Day. He has also suggested a network that he might rather do it on, like Fox News—bbut for now at least the debate is with ABC. Harris, though, is advocating for live microphones during the debate to provide transparency and says it will guarantee an equitable and transparent exchange.
Previous Debates:
The debate is a continuation of the unique early debate between Biden and Trump on June 27, 2024, which was the first in presidential campaign history. This will be the first time Trump faces off against Harris after Biden stepped aside from running.
Debate Schedule:
As of now, the September 10 showdown is the only presidential debate on tap. Although a vice presidential faceoff will be held on October 1 between Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vance accepted a second VP debate for September 18, but the Harris campaign has rejected that one too.
Key Issues:
Look for the debate to tackle pressing questions like the role of character, culture, and democracy alongside major policy issues such as economics, immigration, and abortion. For the remaining undecided voters, this could be an incredibly important moment and ultimately can affect how these final weeks of campaigning shape up.
Public Interest:
With both candidates having been involved in high-profile controversies, the debate is projected to draw a lot of interest. Analysts expect the event will be heavily watched, especially by undecided voters who are just beginning to tune in.
Political Impact:
This debate could have a big effect on how voters see these candidates, and therefore in the final months of this race. Every fire is higher, so both candidates will need to come out looking great.
A couple of days before the debate, preparations are well under way and anticipation is high in Philadelphia. If you are among the political junkies, or just cover your eyes and pray for it all to be over (you might want double doses of Tylenol tonight… oh hell, make that regular aspirin), September 10 is a date. If anything, ADAPT says this looks to be a defining chapter in the 2024 presidential go-around.
