The highly anticipated first debate of the 2024 election cycle between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is set to take place tonight. This pivotal event, moderated by ABC News, offers a crucial platform for both candidates to address undecided voters and outline their visions for the future just weeks before Election Day. With expectations of a closely contested election in November, this debate is a significant opportunity for Harris and Trump to sway public opinion and articulate their stances on critical issues. For those wondering Where To Watch The Debate Tonight, here’s your comprehensive guide to tuning in.
How to Watch the Debate Tonight: Livestream and TV Channels
Securing your spot to watch tonight’s debate is easier than ever with multiple viewing options available. ABC News, in collaboration with Philadelphia’s ABC-owned station WPVI-TV, is producing the debate and ensuring widespread access for viewers across various platforms.
To watch the debate on television, simply tune into ABC tonight. For those who prefer to stream the debate online, ABC News Live is your primary destination. This free streaming service is readily accessible on a multitude of platforms, including Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV devices, YouTube, Tubi, and numerous other streaming services.
Spin room preparations for the ABC News Presidential Debate showing chairs and tables in a large room.
Beyond ABC News Live, cord-cutters can also stream the debate through subscription services like Disney+ and Hulu. For viewers on the go, the ABC app for smartphones and tablets offers a convenient way to watch the debate live. Alternatively, you can access the livestream directly through ABC.com on your computer or connected devices.
For those who prefer audio coverage, SiriusXM subscribers can listen to the debate live on Channel 370.
Additionally, for real-time updates and in-depth analysis as the debate unfolds, ABC News Digital and 538 will be providing a live blog. This online coverage will include fact-checking and highlight the most important moments and takeaways from the debate.
Debate Time and Location: Mark Your Calendars
The Harris vs. Trump presidential debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th, at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The debate will be held in the historic city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the National Constitution Center. This location adds a layer of significance, grounding the debate in a venue dedicated to constitutional principles and civic dialogue.
Split image of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump for the upcoming debate.
Meet the Moderators: David Muir and Linsey Davis
ABC News has selected experienced journalists to moderate this crucial debate. David Muir, the anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight,” and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live “Prime,” will guide the discussion and pose questions to the candidates. Their expertise in covering political events and in-depth interviews ensures a balanced and informative debate.
To prepare viewers for the main event, ABC News will also broadcast a pre-debate special titled “Race for the White House,” airing at 8:00 PM EDT. This special will be anchored by a team of seasoned 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; and Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent. This pre-debate program will provide crucial context and analysis leading up to the Harris-Trump face-off.
Image of Donald Trump and Joe Biden during a previous presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia.
Debate Ground Rules: What to Expect
The debate will follow a set of agreed-upon rules to ensure a structured and fair exchange between the candidates. Key rules include a 90-minute runtime divided by two commercial breaks. Moderators will be the sole questioners, and candidate microphones will be muted when it’s not their turn to speak, preventing interruptions and ensuring focused responses.
Notably, there will be no opening statements, but each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements. Candidates will stand at podiums and are prohibited from bringing props or pre-written notes onto the stage. While topics and specific questions will remain undisclosed to the campaigns beforehand, the format includes two-minute answers, two-minute rebuttals, and a one-minute follow-up for each question, allowing for in-depth discussion of key policy differences. To further maintain order, candidates are not permitted to directly ask questions of each other, and campaign staff cannot interact with candidates during commercial breaks. With these rules in place, the debate aims to be a substantive and informative event for voters seeking clarity before heading to the polls.
Don’t miss this crucial political event. Tune in tonight to see Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate live and help shape your decision for the upcoming election.
