Tonight marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 election as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to engage in their first presidential debate. Moderated by ABC News, this highly anticipated event is crucial for both candidates to sway undecided voters in what is projected to be a closely contested election this November.
This debate offers a significant platform for Harris and Trump to articulate their stances on critical issues, especially after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race following his debate performance in June. It’s the first face-to-face encounter between Harris and Trump, adding extra anticipation to this political showdown.
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Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch tonight’s presidential debate and what time to tune in.
Ways to Watch and Livestream the Presidential Debate Tonight
ABC News is producing tonight’s presidential debate in collaboration with WPVI-TV, ABC’s Philadelphia affiliate. Getting access to the debate is straightforward through multiple platforms:
Television and Streaming:
- ABC Channel: The debate will be broadcasted live on the ABC television network.
- ABC News Live: Stream the debate online via ABC News Live.
- Disney+: Subscribers can watch the debate on Disney+.
- Hulu: The debate will also be available for streaming on Hulu.
- Streaming Devices: ABC News Live is accessible through Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube, Tubi, and various other streaming platforms.
- ABC App and Website: Watch via the ABC app on smartphones or tablets, or through ABC.com on connected devices.
Audio:
- SiriusXM: Listen to the debate live on SiriusXM Channel 370.
Digital Coverage:
- ABC News Digital and 538 Live Blog: For real-time updates, fact-checking, in-depth analysis, and key takeaways, follow the live blog on ABC News Digital and 538.
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Presidential Debate Time and Location
Mark your calendars: The presidential debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th, at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Location: National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Who are the Debate Moderators?
ABC News has selected prominent journalists to moderate this crucial debate:
- David Muir: Anchor and Managing Editor of “World News Tonight.”
- Linsey Davis: Anchor of ABC News Live “Prime.”
Pre-Debate Special:
Don’t miss the “Race for the White House” pre-debate special airing at 8:00 PM EDT on ABC platforms and streaming services. This special will be anchored by:
- 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.
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Key Debate Rules
Both the Harris and Trump campaigns have agreed to a set of rules to ensure a structured and fair debate. Here are the key points:
- Duration: The debate will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks.
- Moderators: Only the two seated moderators will pose questions.
- Podium Placement and Closing Statements: A coin toss determined that former President Trump will deliver the final closing statement, while Vice President Harris will be positioned at the right podium on screen (stage left).
- Introductions: Moderators will introduce the candidates, with the incumbent party introduced first.
- Statements: No opening statements will be given, but each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements.
- On-Stage Setup: Candidates will stand at podiums throughout the debate.
- Restrictions: Props and pre-written notes are prohibited on stage. No topics or questions will be shared with the campaigns beforehand.
- Allowed Items: Candidates will be provided with a pen, paper pad, 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.
- Microphone Control: Microphones will be active only when a candidate is speaking and muted at other times.
- No Candidate Questions: Candidates are not allowed to directly question each other.
- Commercial Break Protocol: Campaign staff cannot interact with candidates during commercial breaks.
- Moderator Role: Moderators will manage timekeeping and aim to maintain a respectful discussion.
- No Live Audience: There will be no audience present in the debate room.
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In Conclusion
The presidential debate tonight between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is a crucial event for the 2024 election. Set for 9 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 10th in Philadelphia, it will be widely accessible on ABC, ABC News Live, and various streaming platforms. Make sure to tune in to witness this important political event unfold.
