Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to appear in Philadelphia, PA for the first presidential debate on September 10, 2023.
This debate marks Trump’s second appearance in the 2024 presidential election cycle, following a prior debate with President Joe Biden in June, before Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate.
The event underscores Pennsylvania’s significance in the election campaign, coinciding with incidents concerning Trump’s safety and the launch of the Harris-Walz ticket at Temple University.
Key details about the debate include its timing, host, rules, and viewing options.
The debate will occur at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10. This venue has a history of hosting presidential candidates, including past debates involving Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as a town hall led by Trump in 2020 and a voting rights speech by Biden.
Moira Bagley Smith, the center’s Director of Communications, emphasized the institution’s commitment to celebrating America’s foundational principles.
The ABC News Presidential Debate is set to begin at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The event will be moderated by David Muir and Lindsey Davis of ABC News.
According to the Associated Press, the debate rules mirror those from the June encounter between Trump and Biden. Candidates will stand behind lecterns, will not deliver opening statements, and cannot use notes during the 90-minute discussion.
A significant aspect of the debate planning involves the management of microphones. For the Harris-Trump debate, microphones will be muted when candidates are not speaking to prevent interruptions, and there will not be a live audience present.
Looking ahead, Vice Presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz will face off in a debate on October 1 in New York City, hosted by CBS News.
The ABC News Presidential Debate will air live on ABC News, with simulcasts available on FOX 5 and FOX Local.
Election Day for the 2024 presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.