WASHINGTON, USA: For the first time, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face each other in a debate on Tuesday, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the closely contested race for the White House. After weeks of negotiations over the debate’s format and rules, ABC, the host broadcaster, has finalized the details, ensuring a structured and tightly controlled event.
The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 9:00 p.m. local time (0100 GMT Wednesday) and will be broadcast live. Unlike many previous debates, there will be no live audience, creating a more focused environment where both candidates can present their cases without crowd reactions influencing the proceedings. The debate will be moderated by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, with 90 minutes of debate time and two commercial breaks.
One of the most contentious issues leading up to the debate was whether the candidates’ microphones would be muted when it wasn’t their turn to speak. This rule was a point of contention, as both campaigns accused each other of cowardice regarding this measure. Ultimately, ABC decided to mute each candidate’s microphone when the other is speaking, allowing for a more orderly debate without interruptions. The moderators will have the exclusive authority to ask questions, with no topics shared with the candidates in advance.
The debate format includes no opening statements, and each candidate will have two minutes to answer each question. The opposing candidate will then have two minutes for a rebuttal, followed by an additional minute for any necessary clarifications or responses. Closing statements will also be limited to two minutes, with Trump going last as determined by a virtual coin toss.
To ensure fairness and focus, candidates will stand behind podiums with no props or pre-written notes allowed. Each will have access to a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water, and campaign staff will not be permitted to interact with them during commercial breaks.
This debate is expected to be a critical moment for both Harris and Trump, offering a platform to sway undecided voters and solidify their bases in this closely contested election. With stringent rules in place, the event promises to be a disciplined and substantive exchange, crucial for both campaigns as they head into the final stretch of the election.
