Harris vs Trump: What to Expect From This Important Matchup

Next Tuesday's debate presents a key moment for both candidates to sway undecided voters and rally their supporters for the November election.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off on September 10, an event that could significantly impact the close 2024 presidential race.

The debate will be hosted by ABC in Philadelphia's National Constitution Center. Lasting 90 minutes with two breaks, the event starts at 9 p.m. ET, and both candidates will stand throughout.

In June, a CNN debate marked a major shift in the 2024 race when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July after internal party pressure, endorsing Harris.

This debate is a critical opportunity for both candidates to make a mark by convincing undecided voters and energizing their bases ahead of the election.

The stakes are especially high for Harris, who launched her campaign only seven weeks ago, giving her less national exposure compared to Trump.

Polls show Harris’s policies are still unfamiliar to many voters, raising concerns about whether her campaign has lost momentum.

According to a poll by The New York Times and Siena College, Trump holds a narrow lead over Harris, with a 48 percent to 47 percent split. While Trump’s support remains steady, voters are uncertain about Harris’s key policy positions.

To address this, the Harris campaign released a new webpage titled “A New Way Forward” outlining her stance on key issues such as the economy, gun violence, and border security. In an interview with CNN, Harris discussed her shifting positions on fracking and border security, which are expected to come under scrutiny during the debate.

Harris aims to use her experience as California’s top prosecutor to challenge Trump on his legal issues and abortion stance, while Trump will likely continue advocating for state decisions on abortion.

ABC’s debate will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, marking the first time Harris and Trump will debate in front of a live audience.

Harris has been preparing for the debate in Pittsburgh since September 5 and engaging with local supporters during her downtime. She appears confident in her readiness to face Trump.

Details about each candidate's debate preparation remain mostly undisclosed. Trump’s campaign has downplayed the need for traditional debate prep, noting that he continues to consult with advisers, including Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The debate will follow the same rules as June’s CNN debate. Candidates will have two minutes to respond to questions, with microphones only active for the speaking candidate. After winning a coin toss, Trump will deliver the closing statement, while Harris selected her preferred podium spot.