The highly anticipated first presidential debate of the 2024 election, featuring former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, is set to take place tonight. Moderated by ABC News, this debate is a pivotal moment for both candidates to appeal to undecided voters in what is projected to be a closely contested election this November.
This debate marks a significant opportunity for Harris, who stepped into the Democratic candidate role after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race following his debate performance in June, and Trump to articulate their stances on critical issues. It’s their first face-to-face encounter, adding extra anticipation to the event.
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If you’re looking to watch this crucial political showdown, here’s everything you need to know about how to tune in to the presidential debate.
Final preparations are made in the spin room prior to the ABC News Presidential Debate, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Convention Center in Philadelphia
Multiple Ways to Watch the Presidential Debate Live
ABC News is producing this presidential debate in collaboration with WPVI-TV, ABC’s owned station in Philadelphia, ensuring wide accessibility for viewers across various platforms.
Watch on Television: The most straightforward way to watch the debate is on ABC channel. Check your local listings for the specific ABC channel in your area to ensure you don’t miss the start.
Livestream Online: For those who prefer to stream, ABC News offers several options:
- ABC News Live: Stream the debate for free on ABC News Live. This is accessible through various streaming devices and platforms.
- Disney+: Subscribers to Disney+ can also stream the presidential debate live on the platform.
- Hulu: Hulu subscribers will have access to the live debate stream as well.
Stream via Platforms and Apps: ABC News Live is widely available on numerous streaming platforms, including:
- Samsung TV+
- The Roku Channel
- Amazon Fire TV devices
- YouTube
- Tubi
- Most other streaming platforms
You can also utilize the ABC app on smartphones and tablets or visit ABC.com on connected devices to stream the debate.
Listen on SiriusXM Radio: For audio access, SiriusXM subscribers can listen to the presidential debate on Channel 370. This is a great option for those on the go or who prefer to listen rather than watch.
Live Blog Coverage: For real-time updates, fact-checking, and in-depth analysis during the debate, follow ABC News Digital and 538’s live blog. This will provide minute-by-minute coverage and highlight the key moments and takeaways from the debate.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Former President Donald Trump.
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Debate Time and Location
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 10th, at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The presidential debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This historic location adds significance to this important political event.
Former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections at CNN's studios in Atlanta, GA, June 27, 2024.
Who are the Debate Moderators?
The ABC News presidential debate will be moderated by prominent journalists:
- David Muir: Anchor and Managing Editor of “World News Tonight.”
- Linsey Davis: Anchor of ABC News Live “Prime.”
Before the debate, a special pre-debate program titled “Race for the White House” will air at 8:00 PM EDT. This special will be anchored by:
- Martha Raddatz: Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of “This Week.”
- Jonathan Karl: Chief Washington Correspondent and co-anchor of “This Week.”
- Mary Bruce: Chief White House Correspondent.
- Rachel Scott: Senior Congressional Correspondent.
This pre-debate coverage will provide viewers with essential context and analysis leading up to the main event.
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Key Debate Rules
To ensure a structured and fair debate, several rules have been agreed upon by both campaigns:
- Duration: The debate will last for 90 minutes, divided into segments with two commercial breaks.
- Moderator Questions: Only the two designated moderators will pose questions to the candidates.
- Podium Placement and Closing Statements: A coin toss determined podium placement and closing statement order. Trump won the toss and chose to deliver the final closing statement; Harris selected the right podium position (stage left).
- No Opening Statements: The debate will commence directly with questions, foregoing opening statements. Closing statements will be limited to two minutes per candidate.
- Podiums and Restrictions: Candidates will stand at podiums throughout the debate. Props and pre-written notes are prohibited on stage.
- No Advance Questions: Neither campaigns nor candidates will receive the topics or questions in advance.
- Allowed Items: Candidates are permitted a pen, notepad, and a bottle of 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 all other times.
- No Candidate Questions to Each Other: Candidates are not allowed to directly question one another.
- No Staff Interaction During Breaks: Campaign staff cannot interact with candidates during commercial breaks.
- Moderator Role: Moderators are responsible for enforcing time limits and maintaining a civil discussion.
- No Live Audience: The debate will proceed without a live audience present in the room.
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Don’t Miss This Important Event
The Harris-Trump presidential debate is a crucial event for voters to understand the candidates’ platforms and make informed decisions ahead of the election. With numerous ways to watch or listen, ensure you tune in to this important political discussion.
Alt text for images:
alt="Spin room preparations at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for the ABC News Presidential Debate on September 9, 2024."alt="Split image of Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump facing forward, representing the 2024 presidential debate."alt="Donald Trump and Joe Biden during a 2024 presidential debate, illustrating the context of presidential debates."
