When and Where Is the Harris-Trump Presidential Debate? By Reuters

By Stephanie Kelly

U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic counterpart Kamala Harris will face off next week in their first presidential debate since President Joe Biden exited the race.

This debate marks the first opportunity for approximately 240 million U.S. voters to hear Trump and Harris present their policy positions directly to each other ahead of the November 5 election. It will also be a rare occasion for them to share the same stage.

Details of the Debate:

When and Where is the Debate?
The debate, hosted by a major news outlet, is scheduled for September 10 at 9 p.m. EDT (1:00 GMT on September 11) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a key battleground state that could influence the outcome of the election. The venue will be the National Constitution Center, a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, situated near iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

How Can You Watch the Debate?
The event will be moderated and broadcast live, making it accessible through various platforms.

What Are the Ground Rules?
The candidates will have their microphones muted when it’s not their turn to speak. The Harris campaign agreed to this after discussions with the Trump campaign. Similar rules were in place during a previous debate involving Biden and Trump, which also prohibited props, had no live audience, and included commercial breaks—conditions expected to be carried over to this debate.

What’s Expected of Harris?
Harris will enter the debate with a strong position. Since concluding the Democratic National Convention, her campaign reported raising over $500 million. Recent polls indicate she has gained traction, with her leading by 3.5 percentage points in national surveys, although races in battleground states remain competitive. Voters are eager to learn more about her policy proposals.

Harris may confront Trump regarding his appointment of Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade, point out the conservative policy framework known as "Project 2025," and highlight her prosecutorial record in contrast to Trump’s felony conviction. She aims to frame herself as an extension of the Biden administration and embody a new generation of leadership by sharing her personal narrative and middle-class background.

What’s Expected of Trump?
Trump has faced challenges in developing a clear strategy against Harris since her candidacy began. While he labels her a radical leftist, he also attempts to link her to Biden’s centrist policies. In previous debates, he utilized familiar falsehoods that were largely unchallenged, but Harris is anticipated to push back more vigorously on facts, policies, and his actions following the 2020 election. If overwhelmed, Trump potrebbe resort to personal attacks.

He is likely to attempt linking issues that have negatively impacted Biden’s popularity—such as inflation and border security—to Harris, questioning her readiness to lead. Trump might raise points about her previous liberal positions during the 2020 race and critique the Biden administration’s handling of crises in Gaza and Ukraine. He also needs to project a temperament that reassures voters of his suitability for the presidency, especially since his last debate with a female candidate, Hillary Clinton, was marked by controversial behavior.

What Other Topics Are Likely?
The economy, particularly high consumer prices, will likely be a significant subject of discussion. Trump has previously promoted his plans regarding taxes and healthcare. Interestingly, both candidates have proposed ending taxes on tipped income, opening a rare opportunity for dialogue on a shared agenda.

What About Third Parties?
Vice President Harris, having secured the Democratic nomination, confirmed her participation in the debate after Biden stepped aside. The debate will not feature any third-party candidates, as the deadline for qualification passed, and candidates needed to meet certain criteria regarding state ballot access and national polling support.

This debate presents a pivotal moment as both candidates prepare to outline their visions for the future of the United States.