Presidential Debate: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Prepare for Epic Showdown That Could Shake the 2024 Race

In a showdown that could define the 2024 presidential election, Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet face-to-face for their first—and likely only—debate on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

With the race tightening in the final weeks, this debate is seen by many as a pivotal moment to sway undecided voters, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania.

High Stakes in Philadelphia

The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center, steps away from Independence Hall, highlighting the historical weight of this face-off.

Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is seen as one of the key states that could decide the outcome of the 2024 election.

The event, hosted by ABC News, will begin at 9 p.m. ET and is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes.

There will be no live audience, and the candidates will not deliver opening statements. Instead, they will respond to questions posed by moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

The candidates will be limited to two minutes per response, with additional time for rebuttals and clarifications.

A Coin Flip and Strict Rules

The rules governing the debate were agreed upon after a tense back-and-forth between the two campaigns.

One of the most controversial points was the decision to mute the microphones when a candidate is not speaking—a rule that Harris’ campaign had initially resisted.

Trump’s team, on the other hand, embraced the regulation, and ultimately, both sides agreed to the terms.

In an interesting twist, a coin flip determined the order of closing statements and podium positions.

Trump won the toss and chose to deliver the final closing statement, while Harris opted to stand on the right side of the stage.

Both candidates will remain behind their lecterns for the entirety of the debate, preventing any movement across the stage, a rule likely designed to avoid moments like the one in the 2016 debate, where Trump was accused of trying to intimidate Hillary Clinton by standing close to her.

Harris’ Prosecution Style vs. Trump’s Brash Approach

The Harris campaign reportedly pushed for unmuted microphones to allow her to use her prosecutorial background to directly confront Trump.

Throughout her career, Harris has been known for her aggressive questioning in Senate hearings, particularly during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees and Cabinet members.

However, her campaign insiders have expressed frustration with the debate format, calling it restrictive.

“It was a bad set of rules for someone who needed to be protected,” said one Democratic strategist, referring to President Biden’s previous performance on the debate stage.

Biden’s struggles during the June debate, which ultimately led to his decision to bow out of the race, have left Harris navigating these terms, designed initially to protect the president.

No Prewritten Notes, No Props

To ensure fairness, both candidates are prohibited from bringing prewritten notes or props to the stage.

Additionally, they will not receive the topics or questions in advance, a decision intended to level the playing field and maintain spontaneity.

The debate is expected to focus on a wide range of issues, from the economy to foreign policy and immigration, with both candidates offering starkly different visions for the future of the country.

Trump, who has maintained a strong base of support, is likely to tout his previous administration’s achievements and criticize Harris for her association with the Biden administration’s policies.

Harris, on the other hand, will likely emphasize her experience as vice president and her readiness to lead, contrasting her approach with Trump’s tumultuous presidency.

The Final Opportunity

With only weeks remaining until Election Day, this debate could be the last opportunity for both candidates to make their case to a national audience.

Pundits have described the 2024 election as one of the closest in decades, with polls showing a razor-thin margin between Trump and Harris.

As the debate approaches, all eyes will be on Philadelphia, where this historic face-off could reshape the trajectory of the campaign. With Pennsylvania’s crucial electoral votes at stake, both candidates are under immense pressure to deliver a memorable performance that could sway undecided voters in their favor.

Also Read: Tulsi Gabbard, Who Exposed Kamala Harris in 2019, Now Coaching Trump for 2024 Debate Showdown