First Presidential Debate: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Square Off in Philadelphia
The highly anticipated first debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican incumbent Donald Trump is set to take place on Tuesday night at 9 PM EST at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This debate is crucial for both candidates as they approach the voting date of November 5 with tight polling results indicating a neck-and-neck race.
This debate, organized and broadcast by ABC, marks the second and currently the last debate scheduled after a disastrous first debate for former Democratic nominee Joe Biden last June, which many argue had dire implications for his campaign. Notably, Trump has repeatedly criticized ABC for perceived biases against him in the media, which adds a layer of tension to the proceedings.
The debate format will follow strict rules to ensure order and clarity. Each segment will last for ninety minutes without a live audience, and the candidates will be positioned side by side, Harris on the right and Trump on the left. Both will be isolated from their staff even during the brief commercial breaks. Instead of taking notes, they will be provided with only a notepad, a pen, and a bottle of water. The candidates won't make opening statements but will each have two minutes to respond to questions, along with opportunities for rebuttals. Trump will respond second, an order decided by a random draw. To minimize disruption, each candidate's microphone will be muted while the other is speaking.
The debate will be moderated by David Muir, the host of World News Tonight, and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live Prime. Their moderation holds promise for a different dynamic, as past moderators have faced criticism for not addressing falsehoods during debates. However, a complete real-time fact-checking system will not be in place.
For those wishing to watch from abroad, the debate will also be streamed live in Italy through ABC's dedicated page and on YouTube, extending the engagement beyond US borders. As this pivotal night approaches, the focus is squarely on how both candidates will present their visions for the country amid escalating tensions leading up to the election.
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