What time is the Harris v Trump presidential debate? Everything to know

As the election day approaches, the political landscape in the United States is heating up. In less than two months, voters will head to the polls to choose their next president. A significant event leading up to this decision is the upcoming debate between Donald Trump, the former president, and Kamala Harris, the current vice president. This debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, and it marks their first direct confrontation in this election cycle. Both candidates are engaged in a fiercely competitive race, not only nationally but also in key swing states that could determine the outcome of the election. The debate will be broadcast live on ABC News and is expected to last for 90 minutes, featuring two commercial breaks. Notably, there will be no audience present in the debate hall, which is a departure from traditional formats. For those who prefer to watch online, the debate will also be available for streaming on the BBC News channel, with comprehensive coverage provided by their team of reporters stationed in both Philadelphia and Washington. The moderators for this debate will be David Muir and Linsey Davis from ABC World News Tonight. They will implement a unique rule to minimize interruptions: the microphones of the candidates will be muted when they are not speaking. This approach was previously used in a debate between Trump and Joe Biden, following a chaotic debate in 2020. Harris's campaign has expressed a desire for the microphones to remain on at all times, arguing that the current format prevents her from engaging directly with Trump. In this debate, Trump will have the advantage of delivering the final statement, while Harris has chosen to position herself on the right side of the screen for viewers. Importantly, neither candidate will receive advance notice of the topics or questions, and they are prohibited from using props or pre-written notes during the debate. They will only be allowed to have a pen, a notepad, and a water bottle at their lecterns, and they cannot interact with their campaign staff during commercial breaks. The stakes are high for both candidates, as presidential debates can significantly influence public perception and voter sentiment. This debate is particularly crucial for Kamala Harris, who has primarily engaged in scripted appearances throughout her campaign. Recent polling data from Siena College, published in the New York Times, indicates that many voters are still unfamiliar with Harris and her positions. The race between her and Trump remains extremely close, both nationally and in the pivotal swing states that will ultimately decide the election. In preparation for the debate, Harris is collaborating with Washington lawyer Karen Dunn, who has a wealth of experience in helping Democratic politicians prepare for debates. Dunn is known for her tough yet supportive approach, as highlighted by former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who praised Dunn's ability to provide honest feedback while also offering encouragement. Additionally, Philippe Reines, a former adviser to Clinton, is reportedly stepping in to play the role of Trump during Harris's mock debates. On the other hand, Trump is taking a different approach to his preparation, focusing on connecting with voters and enhancing the theatrical aspects of his debate performance. His team includes notable advisers such as Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who has previously clashed with Harris, and Florida Republican congressman Matt Gaetz. Looking ahead, there may be more debates on the horizon. On October 1, JD Vance and Tim Walz are scheduled to participate in a vice-presidential debate on CBS News. However, the presidential campaigns have yet to agree on the terms for any additional face-offs between Trump and Harris. Trump has expressed a desire for at least two more debates, particularly favoring a format that would be moderated by Fox News and feature a large live audience. The Harris campaign has stated that they will evaluate the possibility of a second debate in October after the first debate concludes. The non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), which has overseen these events since 1988, has been sidelined in favor of the television networks negotiating directly with the campaigns. The CPD had intended to organize three debates in September and October but has attributed the lack of agreement to the Biden campaign's failure to adhere to traditional practices.