What You Need to Know: The 2024 Presidential Debate Between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

It has now been over 50 days since Joe Biden shut down his bid to seek a second term in the White House, and now his Vice President, Kamala Harris, is seeking a “new way forward” as she steps onto the stage for the second presidential debate of the 2024 Election cycle on Tuesday evening. 

Voters may remember that this debate was initially introduced to be the second debate between now outgoing president Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump. Now, Harris steps in having already secured the Democratic  nomination at last month’s Democratic National Convention and raising hundreds of millions of dollars in less than two months.

Tuesday marks a key moment in the 2024 Presidential Election calendar as Harris and Trump face off in their highly anticipated debate, hosted by ABC News.  Here is what you need to know to what Tuesday’s biggest prime time show:

Harris and Trump Meet for a High-Stakes Debate Moderated by Veteran Journalists

Candidates: Kamala Harris (Democratic candidate) and Donald Trump (Republican candidate) will face off in their first one-on-one debate of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle. Time notes that it will also be the first time they meet each other in person.

Moderator: “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and ABC News Live “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the 90-minute exchange. Each has moderated multiple presidential primary debates in the past, according to The Washington Examiner.

Economy, National Security, and Personal Controversies Take Center Stage

Debate Topics: The debate will focus on a variety of pressing issues, but will likely transcend ordinary topics that voters might expect. Expect questions related to the handling of the economy, inflation, and national security surrounding the country's borders to take center stage. Though do not count out discussions surrounding each candidate's qualifications and personal history.

Off-Topics: Trump’s legal battles could find their way into the conversation, this would allow Harris to continue to “prosecute” Trump’s criminal history to the American people. Given time to counter, viewers should anticipate that the former president would frame these issues as partisan attacks or politically motivated.

For Harris, her changing positions on key issues including healthcare and border security may come under fire. Harris will need to explain her shifts to alleviate any notion of being indecisive or only supporting policies that are popular.

This could be the final time either candidate can make their case going face-to-face on the national stage before the November 5^th election. 

Debate Stage Set in Swing-State Pennsylvania: How and Where to Watch the High-Stakes Showdown

ABC News announced in mid-August  that the debate will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 9PM EST and will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania, currently being led by democratic Governor and short-list vice presidential candidate on the Harris ticket Josh Shapiro, is one of seven swing states that could determine the election. 

How to Watch: Though hosted by ABC News, the news division also noted in their initial announcement that the debate will stream on 24/7 streaming network ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. They will allow other networks to simulcast the debate.

Harris and Trump’s First Direct Confrontation Could Shape the 2024 Election

Significance: This debate is a critical moment in the 2024 campaign, especially since it is the first opportunity for voters to see Kamala Harris and Donald Trump engage head-to-head. 

It’s a key chance for undecided voters to compare their visions for a country that is at its peak stance of national division. Trump, aiming for a political comeback, and Harris, vying to maintain her party’s momentum and create history, will both use this debate to sway critical voters in swing states.

Debate Negotiations: Rules and Order Set the Stage for a Tense Exchange

Negotiations Leading Up to the Debate: Debate rules were still being finalized a week prior to the debate. Reports have said that the subject of microphone usage was still being discussed, as the Harris campaign wanted the microphones unmuted for the duration of the hour and a half debate. 

In the previous debate featuring Joe Biden, both candidates agreed to muted microphones when the other was speaking. The Harris campaign believed that changing this rule would ultimately allow Harris, a former prosecutor, to make pointed responses during Trump’s time. 

Politico has reported details from a letter to ABC News from the Harris campaign that muted mics “will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President. We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign’s insistence on muted microphones,” said Harris’ senior adviser for communications Brian Fallon

Debate Rules: In an ABC News press release issued just days ago, the debate will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks. Each candidate will be given two minutes to respond to questions, a two minute rebuttal period, as well as one extra minute for follow ups, clarifications, or responses. 

On September 3rd, a coin flip was held virtually with both campaigns to determine order or closing arguments and stage position. Trump won the flip and secured the chance to be the last speaker, giving his closing argument second to Harris. With that, Harris has chosen to stand on the left-side of the stage (right-side of the screen). No opening statements will be provided. 

Candidates will stand behind the podium for the duration of the debate and will not be allowed pre written notes or props, but will be provided with a pen, paper, and bottle of water. Neither candidate will be able to interact with their staff, and will only be in contact with the two moderators as there’s also no audience.

Harris vs. Trump: A Key Moment in the 2024 Election

Tuesday night marks a critical juncture in the 2024 election cycle. At the conclusion of Harris and Trump's first head-to-head debate, the stakes are high and with the nation watching, this prime-time showdown will be a pivotal moment for voters still deciding the direction they want the country to take.