Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in a highly anticipated debate in Philadelphia, marking their first encounter since Harris secured the Democratic nomination. The dynamics of this debate have shifted significantly since President Biden’s lackluster performance in the previous debate, sparking concerns about his ability to defeat Trump. However, a series of events have unfolded in the past few months, including an assassination attempt on Trump, the GOP presidential nomination acceptance, Biden’s withdrawal from the race, and Harris taking over and clinching the Democratic nomination.
Harris has managed to close the gap in swing state polls that Biden lost, now standing virtually tied with Trump. Despite a surge of support and record-breaking fundraising, Harris’s campaign is expected to face increased scrutiny and attacks from Trump and Republicans. As the second debate of the 2024 presidential election cycle unfolds, here are the key takeaways to watch for.
When and How to Watch
The debate is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. CT for 90 minutes from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate, which will be broadcast by the network and streamed on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Viewers can follow NPR’s live blog for the latest updates, analysis, fact-checking, and color, as well as listen to NPR’s special coverage of the ABC News Presidential Debate Simulcast on many public radio stations.
Debate Rules and Format
The rules for the debate mirror those of the previous matchup, with microphones being muted when a candidate is not speaking. This rule was initially proposed by the Biden campaign in an effort to curb Trump’s tendency to interrupt during debates. Despite concerns from the Harris team that muted mics would shield Trump from direct exchanges, they agreed to the terms to ensure the debate proceeded as planned.
There will be no live audience present, and candidates will not be allowed to question each other directly. Additionally, both candidates are prohibited from bringing pre-written notes or props onto the debate stage. If there is significant crosstalk, the network may unmute both microphones, and the moderator will warn candidates to limit interruptions.
What to Watch For
Harris, who has primarily campaigned from the trail during her presidential bid, faces the challenge of delivering a strong performance in the debate. Her ability to articulate her platform, engage in unscripted moments, and confront Trump will be under scrutiny. Harris has emphasized protecting reproductive rights in her campaign, and this issue is likely to be a focal point during the debate.
On the other hand, Trump is expected to link Harris to Biden’s handling of the economy and immigration, two areas of contention for Republicans. He may also highlight aspects of Harris’s political record, such as her past support for decriminalizing border crossings and banning fracking. Trump’s stance on abortion has been inconsistent, with recent comments indicating a shift in his views.
Both candidates will be seeking to present their policies and visions for the country while challenging each other on key issues. Harris has been associated with Project 2025, a set of policy proposals from a conservative think tank that Trump has tried to distance himself from.
Post-Debate Analysis and Future Debates
Following the debate, analysts will assess the candidates’ performances and the impact on the election dynamics. Vice presidential candidates Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance are set to debate on October 1, aiming to appeal to voters in key states. The possibility of a second debate between Harris and Trump remains uncertain, with no formal announcements regarding additional dates.
As the election cycle progresses, the debates will continue to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing voter decisions. The outcomes of these debates could have far-reaching implications for the candidates and their respective campaigns. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on the evolving political landscape.
