The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take place on Tuesday, September 10 at 9 p.m. ET. The event is being hosted at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and will be broadcast live by ABC News.
Moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis from ABC will guide the debate, which is expected to run for 90 minutes without commercial interruptions.
Where to Watch
The debate will be aired on ABC and available for streaming on multiple platforms, including ABC News Live, Hulu, and Disney+. For viewers without access to these services, the debate will also stream for free on platforms like PBS News via YouTube. Many cable providers, such as Xfinity and Spectrum, as well as streaming services like YouTube TV and Sling TV, will carry the broadcast.
Background and Expectations
This high-stakes debate comes after an unprecedented shake-up in the race. President Joe Biden dropped out of the race after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June, which led to intense speculation about his ability to continue.
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As a result, Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris, stepped in as the Democratic nominee in July. This will be Harris’s first debate against Trump, and the stakes are high, as it could significantly shape the race heading into the November election. Both campaigns have suggested that more debates might occur, but none are confirmed as of now.
What Happened in the Last Debate
The June debate between Trump and Biden was a turning point in the 2024 election. Biden’s performance was widely criticized, with concerns about his age and ability to handle the rigors of the presidency taking center stage. These factors eventually led him to withdraw from the race, passing the torch to Harris, who has been tasked with reinvigorating the Democratic campaign.
With both candidates facing immense pressure to deliver, this debate is expected to draw millions of viewers.
For those interested in watching, make sure to tune in at 9 p.m. ET across ABC platforms or streaming services like Hulu and YouTube for live coverage.
