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topicnews · September 6, 2024

Here’s everything you need to know about the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

Here’s everything you need to know about the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

“Donald, if you have something to say, say it to my face,” Vice President and 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris said during a rally in Atlanta in August — and now it seems former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump will get the chance to do just that, as the two candidates will finally face off in their first presidential debate next week. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the upcoming debate — from when it will air to the rules both camps have agreed to and what topics might 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. EST and will last 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 on the ABC app and abc.com.

Who moderates the debate?

The moderators of the Sept. 10 debate are ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis. Although some have argued that the role should include fact-checking the candidates in real time, Muir and Davis will likely stay true to tradition and only intervene when necessary. In addition, as with the debate between Trump and President Biden in June, there will be no studio audience watching.

Both Harris and Trump have agreed to mute their microphones during the other candidate’s speaking time. They’re also foregoing opening statements, props, and pre-written notes. (Each is allowed only a pen, notepad, and bottle of water.) The candidates are also not allowed to ask each other questions—but given Trump’s past debate performances, we’ll see how that plays out.

What topics are likely to be discussed in the debate?

According to ABC News, Harris and Trump will not be asked questions beforehand, but it’s hard to imagine the evening going by without a reference to abortion rights and IVF protections, on which Trump has recently shifted his messaging. The economy, border security and the war in Gaza are also likely to come up; and it’s possible Harris will directly address Trump’s racist attacks on her black identity as part of a larger discussion about policing and race relations in the U.S. — though she declined to comment on his attacks in a recent interview on CNN.