Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have agreed to participate in a televised debate, marking a significant moment in the 2024 presidential race. The event is scheduled for September 10, 2024, at 9 pm ET, just 57 days before the election.
The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a venue steeped in American history. Established in 1988, the center serves as a fitting backdrop for this crucial political event. Pennsylvania, a key swing state in recent elections, adds to the debate's significance.
ABC will host the debate, with veteran journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis serving as moderators. Muir, who has anchored ABC World News Tonight since 2014, brings extensive experience to the role. Davis, an ABC News Live primetime anchor who joined the network in 2007, has previously moderated presidential nominating debates.
The debate format aims to ensure a fair and focused discussion. Microphones will only be active for the speaking candidate, a measure implemented to prevent interruptions. This approach echoes the format used in the 2020 presidential debates between Trump and then-candidate Joe Biden.
Key topics likely to be addressed include the economy, ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and domestic issues such as abortion rights. The Harris campaign is expected to emphasize women's reproductive rights, while Trump may focus on criticizing the current administration's policies on immigration and inflation.
Both candidates have expressed readiness for the debate. Harris stated she was "glad" Trump had committed to the event, while Trump has made provocative comments about his opponent's capabilities.
The vice-presidential candidates, Tim Walz and JD Vance, are set to face off in a separate debate on October 1, 2024. This event will provide voters with additional insights into the complete tickets for both parties.
Recent polling data from Marquette University Law School, an institution founded in 1908, shows Harris with a six-point lead among likely voters. However, with nearly two months until the election, the race remains competitive.
This debate marks a historic moment in US political history. It follows a long tradition of televised presidential debates, which began in 1960 with the famous Kennedy-Nixon face-off. As the first woman to participate in a presidential debate, Harris adds another milestone to this tradition, building on the groundwork laid by Geraldine Ferraro, who became the first woman in a vice-presidential debate in 1984.
"I hear that Donald Trump has finally committed to debating me on September 10. I look forward to it."
As the nation prepares for this crucial event, voters will have the opportunity to watch on various platforms, including ABC's television broadcast, streaming services like Hulu, and connected devices. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience can engage with this pivotal moment in the democratic process.