Trump and Harris preparing for their first debate in 2024

As the highly anticipated presidential debate nears, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for their first faceoff. Hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, this debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Election Day.

The road to this debate has been fraught with uncertainty, with weeks of negotiations finally resulting in a confirmed matchup between Harris and Trump. While both candidates had initially agreed to two debates, the second one was thrown into question after President Biden exited the race in July.

Trump, who had expressed reluctance to participate, eventually agreed to the debate following challenges from Harris. The stage is set for a 90-minute exchange moderated by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, with strict rules in place to ensure a fair and structured debate.

During the debate, each candidate will have designated time to respond to questions, and microphones will only be live when it’s their turn to speak. This format, although contentious at first, was ultimately agreed upon by both campaigns to ensure the debate proceeds smoothly.

As the candidates prepare for this crucial event, Trump has been focusing on reviewing policy positions and engaging with voters and the media. On the other hand, Harris has recalibrated her debate strategy in light of the microphone restrictions, aiming to navigate Trump’s unique debate style effectively.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was involved in Harris’ debate preparations in 2020, commended her skills and intellect but noted the challenges of debating Trump, calling it a test of focus and discipline. With less than 60 days until Election Day, both candidates are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for this debate.

For viewers eager to witness this high-stakes showdown, the debate will air on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET, with coverage starting at 8 p.m. on CBS. This event is set to be a defining moment in the presidential campaign, as Harris and Trump go head to head in a battle of ideas and visions for America’s future.