The highly anticipated first debate of the 2024 election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is set to take place tonight. This crucial event, moderated by ABC News, offers a pivotal moment for both candidates to connect with undecided voters and articulate their visions for the future of the country. With the election just weeks away, understanding What Channel Is The Debate On Tonight and how to watch is essential for any engaged citizen.
When is the Presidential Debate Tonight?
Mark your calendars: the ABC News presidential debate is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). For viewers in other time zones, this translates to 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). No matter where you are in the United States, ABC News is bringing this important political event directly to you this evening.
What Channel Is The Debate On? How to Watch Live
Finding what channel the debate is on tonight is straightforward thanks to ABC News’s extensive broadcast and streaming options. You have multiple platforms to choose from to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this significant political showdown:
- Television: Tune into your local ABC channel. Check your local listings for the specific channel number in your area.
- Streaming: For cord-cutters and those preferring to watch online, ABC News offers several digital avenues:
- ABC News Live: Stream for free on the ABC News website or app.
- Disney+: The debate will be available for streaming on Disney+.
- Hulu: Hulu subscribers can also stream the debate live.
- ABC App: Download the ABC app on your smartphone or tablet and stream the debate.
- ABC.com: Watch directly on the ABC website.
- Radio: For those on the go, SiriusXM Channel 370 will broadcast the debate audio.
ABC News Digital, along with 538, will also provide live, real-time updates and analysis throughout the debate on their websites. This includes fact-checking and highlighting key takeaways as the event unfolds.
Where is the Debate Taking Place?
The highly anticipated debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This historic location provides a fitting backdrop for a discussion on the future direction of the nation. The debate is set to begin promptly at 9:00 PM EDT this evening.
Who Will Moderate the Debate?
Guiding the conversation tonight will be experienced journalists from ABC News. David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight,” and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live “Prime,” will serve as the moderators for the presidential debate.
Leading up to the main event, ABC News will also present a pre-debate special titled “Race for the White House” at 8:00 PM EDT. This special will be anchored by Martha Raddatz, Jonathan Karl, Mary Bruce, and Rachel Scott, offering viewers crucial context and pre-debate analysis.
What Are the Ground Rules for the Debate?
To ensure a structured and fair debate, specific ground rules have been agreed upon by both campaigns. Key rules for tonight’s debate include:
- Duration: The debate will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks.
- Moderators: Only the two designated moderators will pose questions to the candidates.
- Podium Placement & Closing Statements: A coin toss determined the order of closing statements, with former President Trump choosing to deliver the final closing statement. Vice President Harris selected the podium position on the stage left.
- Format: There will be no opening statements, but each candidate will have a two-minute closing statement. Candidates will remain standing at podiums throughout the debate.
- Restrictions: Props and pre-written notes are prohibited on stage. No topics or questions were shared with the campaigns in advance. Candidates are provided with a pen, paper, and water.
- Speaking Time: Candidates will have two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for rebuttals, and an additional minute for follow-ups or clarifications. Microphones will be active only when it is a candidate’s turn to speak.
- Candidate Interaction: Candidates are not allowed to directly question each other.
- No Audience: There will be no live audience present in the debate room.
Understanding what channel is the debate on tonight and the debate format ensures you are fully prepared to witness this important event in the 2024 presidential election cycle. Tune in to ABC News across its various platforms to stay informed and engaged as Trump and Harris face off.
