US elections: First presidential dispute between Trump and Harris: What we know so far

In a highly anticipated event that will determine the course of Presidential elections 2024former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in their first Presidential debate on September 10. With the November 5 general election just weeks away, the debate promises to be a crucial moment in the race for the White House.
The path to debate
The road to that debate was anything but smooth. At first, Trump refused to agree to a debate with Harris, insisting he would only participate if she officially received the Democratic nomination. That milestone was reached last week at the Democratic National Convention, where Harris was officially nominated after President Joe Biden withdrew. After the nomination was confirmed, Trump quickly changed course and agreed to the debate, but raised concerns about the use of “hot mics” that could record impromptu remarks during the event.
On Tuesday, however, Trump announced that he had “reached an agreement” with Harris’ campaign to continue the debate. The debate was to be hosted by ABC News, a network he has frequently accused of bias against him.
Details of the debate
The debate will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at 9 p.m. EDT (6:30 a.m. on Wednesday in India) at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The choice of venue is symbolic because Philadelphia is not only one of the key swing states in this election, but is also home to the Liberty Bell and a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the fundamental principles at stake in this election.
How to watch
The debate, moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, will be streamed live on various platforms. The format is expected to follow the precedent of a previous debate between Biden and Trump in June, in which microphones were muted when the candidates were not speaking and a live audience was excluded to keep the focus on the candidates’ answers.
Basic rules and format
Both campaign teams have agreed to the same rules as the June debate, including muted microphones when candidates are not speaking, no live audience and no props. There will be two commercial breaks during the debate, giving the candidates a brief respite between the expected heated exchange of ideas and accusations.
The candidates on stage
Vice President Kamala Harris, the current Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, are the only candidates currently scheduled to take the stage. Although third-party candidates have until September 3 to qualify for the debate, they must meet strict criteria, including a sufficient number of ballots at the state level and at least 15% support in four national polls. Given these requirements, it is unlikely that third-party candidates will join Harris and Trump in this crucial debate.
What is at stake
With the general election just weeks away, this debate will be a crucial opportunity for both candidates to persuade undecided voters and solidify their bases. For Trump, it’s a chance to reaffirm his influence and demonstrate his continued relevance in the political arena. For Harris, it’s an opportunity to step out of Biden’s shadow and establish herself as a strong leader ready to take on the highest office in the land.