The Stakes are High: A Preview of the First Trump-Harris Presidential Debate
The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is just around the corner, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. The 90-minute showdown, hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, will take place on Tuesday, September 19th, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. With the 2024 election looming, this debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the campaign, offering voters a chance to directly compare the candidates’ positions and personalities.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Trump, known for his incendiary rhetoric and divisive policies, faces an uphill battle against Harris, a seasoned politician who advocates for progressive policies and a more inclusive America. While polls suggest a close race, the contest is far from decided. Roughly half of registered voters are seemingly torn between these two vastly different visions for the future of the nation.
The debate itself comes with its own set of controversies. The microphone muting rule, initially proposed by President Biden’s team during the infamous first debate against Trump in 2020, has been met with resistance from Harris’s team. While Trump’s campaign sees it as a way to enforce decorum, Harris’s team believes the unfiltered interaction will expose Trump’s propensity for incoherent rambling and interruptions. Despite this opposition, the rule will be enforced, leaving the potential for some tense moments.
Harris has seen a surge in popularity since entering the race on July 21st, following President Biden’s withdrawal. FiveThirtyEight’s national polling average currently places Harris ahead of Trump by 2.8 points, although this lead has slightly decreased from August 27th’s peak of 3.7 points. Harris is also performing well in key battleground states, suggesting a potential shift in the electoral landscape. However, voter turnout will be crucial, particularly in swing states where the race is tight.
So, how can you watch this highly anticipated debate? Here are the numerous ways to catch the action:
YouTube Live Streams:
- ABC News: https://www.youtube.com/live/kRh6598RmHM
- C-SPAN: https://www.youtube.com/live/MAm5OCgZ6so
- NBC News: https://www.youtube.com/live/AsBn1Y3gvjg
- Telemundo: https://www.youtube.com/live/B_60rmgDjGw
Websites and Apps with Live Streams:
- ABC News Live
- BBC.com
- CBSNews.com
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Paramount+
- Peacock
Traditional Television Networks:
- ABC
- CNN
- CNN International
- CNN en Español
- NBC
- PBS
Beyond the debate itself, both candidates are gearing up for a frenetic campaign season. Harris plans to launch her "New Way Forward" tour, hitting critical battleground states in the wake of the debate. She will be holding rallies in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, including stops in Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilkes-Barre, and other key locations.
Meanwhile, Harris’s running mate, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, will be campaigning in Michigan and Wisconsin, with events planned in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Mosinee, and Wausau.
The Vice Presidential debate, featuring Walz and Trump’s running mate JD Vance, is scheduled for October 1st and will also be hosted by ABC News. The possibility of a second Trump-Harris debate remains uncertain. While Trump has expressed interest in multiple debates, including those hosted by NBC News and Fox News, his willingness to participate in future events remains questionable.
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. For those who haven’t registered to vote, the time to do so is now. You can check your registration status and learn more about the process at https://www.vote.org/.
This election is a clash of ideologies, a battle for the soul of America. The first debate promises to be a pivotal moment, offering voters a glimpse into the stark differences between the candidates’ visions and their communication styles. The future of the nation hangs in the balance, making this debate an event none can afford to miss.
