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“If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said of opponent Donald Trump during an Atlanta rally in July—and now, it seems the former president and Republican nominee will get the opportunity, as the two candidates are finally set to face off in their first presidential debate next week. Below, find everything you need to know about the upcoming debate, from when it’s airing to the rules both camps have agreed to and what topics may come up.
When is the first presidential debate between Harris and Trump, and how can I tune in?
The debate will take place on Tuesday, September 10, beginning at 9 p.m. ET and last for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. It will air live on ABC and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Viewers can also stream the debate via the ABC app and abc.com.
Who is moderating the debate?
The September 10 debate’s moderators are ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis. Though some have argued that the role should include fact-checking candidates in real time, Muir and Davis are likely to stick with tradition and step in only when necessary. Additionally, like at the debate between Trump and President Joe Biden in June, there will be no studio audience watching along.
How does the whole microphone-muting thing work?
Both Harris and Trump have agreed to have their microphones muted during the other candidate’s speaking time; they’re also forgoing opening statements as well as props and prewritten notes. (All that each will be allowed is a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water.) The candidates also aren’t permitted to ask questions of each other—but given Trump’s previous debate performances, we’ll see how that one goes.
What topics are likely to come up at the debate?
Harris and Trump won’t be given topics or questions beforehand, according to ABC, but it’s difficult to imagine the night playing out without a reference to abortion rights and in vitro fertilization protections, which Trump has altered his messaging on recently. The economy, border security, and the war in Gaza are also likely to come up, and it’s possible Harris will speak directly to Trump’s racist challenging of her Black identity via a larger conversation about policing and racial relations in the U.S.—though she offered only a brief response to his attacks during a recent interview on CNN, dismissing them as the “same old tired playbook.”
