The highly anticipated first presidential debate of the 2024 election, featuring former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, is drawing near. With the election just around the corner, this debate presents a pivotal moment for both candidates to connect with undecided voters and articulate their visions for the future of the nation. For viewers on the West Coast, understanding the Pacific Time schedule is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this important political event.
This guide provides all the essential details on how to watch the ABC News presidential debate, specifically focusing on what time the presidential debate is on Pacific Time, along with other vital information to enhance your viewing experience.
Debate Time: Pacific Time and Beyond
The ABC News Presidential Debate is scheduled to air tonight, Tuesday, September 10th. For viewers on the East Coast, the debate will begin promptly at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Crucially for our readers in the Pacific Time Zone, this translates to a 6:00 PM start time Pacific Standard Time (PST). Mark your calendars and set your reminders!
To further clarify for viewers across different time zones in the US:
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): 6:00 PM
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 7:00 PM
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 8:00 PM
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 9:00 PM
No matter where you are in the country, ABC News and its partners have made it easy to tune in and watch this crucial political showdown.
Multiple Ways to Watch the Presidential Debate
ABC News is committed to making this presidential debate accessible to all Americans. Here are the various platforms where you can watch or stream the event live:
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Television: The debate will be broadcast on the ABC network. Check your local listings for the ABC channel in your area. It will also be aired on WPVI-TV, Philadelphia’s ABC owned station.
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Streaming Online: For cord-cutters and those on the go, numerous streaming options are available:
- ABC News Live: Access the free 24/7 streaming news channel on the ABC News website or app.
- ABC Owned Television Stations’ websites and apps: Stream via your local ABC station’s digital platforms.
- Disney+ and Hulu: Subscribers to these streaming services will be able to watch the debate live.
- ABC.com: Watch directly on the ABC News website.
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Mobile Devices: Download the ABC News app on your smartphone or tablet to stream the debate from anywhere.
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Connected Devices: Access the ABC News app on various connected devices, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
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Radio: For audio listeners, SiriusXM will broadcast the debate live on Channel 370.
In addition to live broadcast, ABC News Digital and 538, along with local ABC stations, will provide comprehensive live blog coverage throughout the debate. Expect real-time updates, fact-checking, in-depth analysis, and highlights of the most significant moments as they unfold. This is a great way to follow along with the debate even if you can’t watch the video.
Location and Setting
The 2024 ABC News Presidential Debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This historic location adds significance to the event, as the Constitution Center is dedicated to civic education and understanding the US Constitution.
The debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th, at 9:00 PM EDT (6:00 PM PST).
Meet the Moderators and Pre-Debate Coverage
Guiding the discussion will be experienced journalists from ABC News:
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Moderators: David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight,” and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live “Prime”. Their roles will be to pose questions to the candidates, ensure fair timekeeping, and maintain a civil and informative exchange.
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Pre-Debate Special: Starting an hour before the debate, at 8:00 PM EDT (5:00 PM PST), ABC News will air “Race for the White House.” This pre-debate special will be anchored by prominent ABC News correspondents:
- Martha Raddatz: Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and “This Week” co-anchor
- Jonathan Karl: Chief Washington Correspondent and “This Week” co-anchor
- Mary Bruce: Chief White House Correspondent
- Rachel Scott: Senior Congressional Correspondent
The pre-debate special will provide viewers with crucial context, analysis of key campaign issues, and insights into the candidates’ strategies as they head into this critical debate. It will be available on ABC’s digital platforms and is highly recommended viewing to prepare for the main event.
Debate Ground Rules: Ensuring a Fair Exchange
To ensure a structured and fair debate, specific rules have been agreed upon by both campaigns:
- Duration: The debate will last for 90 minutes and will include two commercial breaks.
- Moderator Questions: Only the two designated moderators will ask questions.
- Podium Placement and Closing Statements: A coin toss determined that former President Trump will deliver the final closing statement, and Vice President Harris will be positioned at the right podium on screen (stage left).
- No Opening Statements: The debate will begin directly with questions from the moderators. Closing statements will be limited to two minutes per candidate.
- Podium Format: Candidates will remain standing at podiums throughout the debate.
- No Props or Notes: Candidates are prohibited from bringing props or pre-written notes onto the stage. They will be provided with a pen, notepad, and water.
- Time Allocation: Candidates will have two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for rebuttals, and an additional minute for follow-ups or clarifications.
- Microphone Control: Microphones will be active only for the candidate who is speaking, ensuring minimal interruptions.
- No Candidate-to-Candidate Questions: Candidates will not be permitted to directly question each other.
- No Staff Interaction During Breaks: Campaign staff cannot interact with candidates during commercial breaks.
- Moderator Enforcement: Moderators will be responsible for enforcing time limits and promoting a respectful discussion.
- No Live Audience: There will be no audience present in the debate room.
These rules are designed to facilitate a focused and substantive debate, allowing viewers to clearly understand the candidates’ positions on critical issues.
Don’t Miss the Debate!
The ABC News Presidential Debate is a vital opportunity to witness the candidates articulate their platforms and engage on pressing issues facing the nation. For viewers on the Pacific Coast, remember to tune in at 6:00 PM PST on Tuesday, September 10th. With numerous viewing options available, staying informed and engaged in the democratic process has never been easier. Don’t miss this important event!
