For the first time, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet in person, offering millions of Americans a front-row seat to a highly anticipated showdown. The Democratic vice president and Republican former president will clash in Philadelphia on Tuesday in what could be their only televised debate before the closely watched 2024 election.
This high-stakes debate, broadcast by ABC, presents a critical opportunity for U.S. voters to see the two candidates directly confront each other. The debate comes after a month of indirect exchanges, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Harris, 59, has consolidated the Democratic party and now faces Trump, who has previously disparaged her with derogatory comments and racist taunts. Despite closing the gap in the polls, Harris describes herself as the “underdog” in this tightly contested race. She is spending five days in Pittsburgh preparing for the debate, fully aware of its significance.
Trump, 78, is expected to adopt an aggressive strategy. His bid for the White House was disrupted by Harris’s entry into the race, making him the oldest candidate in U.S. history. The debate will be the first time Harris and Trump meet face-to-face, as Trump had previously refused to attend Biden’s inauguration after disputing the 2020 election results.
The debate, set to take place in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state—could be pivotal. The candidates have yet to agree on additional debates, and this one is only happening after a contentious negotiation that included agreeing to mute the candidates’ microphones while the other is speaking.
As the debate approaches, observers are keenly watching to see how the candidates perform on stage. Despite differing opinions on the impact of presidential debates, they have occasionally led to significant political shifts. For instance, Biden’s campaign faltered following a poor debate performance against Trump, leading to his decision to step down.
Biden will be watching the debate closely, with his spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre expressing confidence in Harris’s abilities. “The vice president is smart and knows how to get the job done,” Jean-Pierre said.
The debate will be a critical moment as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters in a deeply polarized America. Harris will rely on her prosecutorial background and calm demeanor, while Trump’s challenge will be balancing his provocative style with broader appeal.
Moderators from ABC will also be under scrutiny to fact-check the candidates’ statements, given Trump’s history of misleading claims in previous debates.
“This debate could be historic. Break out the popcorn,” said Andrew Koneschusky, a former press secretary for U.S. Senate leader Chuck Schumer.
