Trump, Harris Prepare for Tonight’s Pivotal Debate in Tight 2024 Race
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s first, and possibly only debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
The highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is set to take place tonight at 9 pm ET, marking the first time the two presidential candidates will face each other directly on the national stage. This crucial debate, hosted by ABC at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, comes just eight weeks before the 2024 U.S. election, with the two candidates locked in a virtual tie in national polls. For both Harris and Trump, this debate presents a critical opportunity to sway undecided voters in what has become one of the tightest races in recent memory.
What’s at Stake for the Candidates
For Harris, the debate represents a chance to introduce herself to voters who are less familiar with her policies and leadership style. Polls show that around 31% of likely voters still want to know more about Harris, and the debate will allow her to clarify her positions on key issues, including healthcare, immigration, and the economy. Her team has emphasized that she will focus on plans to lower everyday expenses for Americans, a topic they believe will resonate with middle-class voters.
“Harris needs to come across as serious, someone who can make hard decisions and go toe to toe with world leaders,” said Ken Kollman, a professor of politics at the University of Michigan. Her ability to convey strength and gravitas will be pivotal in a debate setting where Trump’s reputation as a dominant figure looms large.
On the other side, Trump’s strategy appears to be focused on tying Harris to President Joe Biden’s record, especially on issues like inflation and immigration. Despite a drop in both this year, Trump is expected to point to the challenges of the past three years under the Biden administration, framing Harris as part of the problem.
According to Jason Miller, a senior advisor to Trump:
“It’s very clear that Kamala Harris is the one who’s been running the country the entire time.”
Trump will also attempt to remind voters of what he views as the successes of his previous term, portraying his administration as one that brought stability and lower costs for Americans. His ability to appear reassuring, rather than overly aggressive, will be key, especially after his combative performances in past debates.
The Debate Format and Rules
The debate, moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, will last 90 minutes, with no live audience and muted microphones when it is not a candidate’s turn to speak. The format includes two-minute answers, two-minute rebuttals, and additional time for follow-up questions. Both candidates will also have a final two-minute closing statement, with Trump choosing to deliver the last word after winning a coin toss.
The absence of live audience reactions and restrictions on interruptions could change the tone of the debate, which is expected to focus on policy differences rather than personal attacks. However, with Trump’s unpredictable debating style, Harris’s team remains cautious about being drawn into off-topic exchanges.
A Defining Moment
Political experts agree that while presidential debates don’t always shift public opinion dramatically, tonight’s encounter could still alter the dynamics of the race. Harris has much to gain, with the debate offering her a platform to solidify her image as a capable leader. Meanwhile, Trump’s ability to focus on policy, rather than personal grievances, will be critical.
As the debate approaches, the stakes are high.
Henry Olsen, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, stated:
“The election is really sitting on a knife’s edge. One point in either direction could really matter.”
Both campaigns hope for a defining moment that could give their candidate an edge heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Market Activity
With the highly-anticipated first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris just hours away, here’s a look at how US financial markets are trading today.
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) is currently trading up 0.33% at 5,489.20.
The Dow Jones Industrials Average ($DOWI) last traded at 40,705.15, down 0.3%. The Nasdaq Composite ($NASX) is up 0.64%, last trading at 16,992.57.
The SPDR SP 500 ETF Trust (NYSE Arca: SPY), last traded at $548.36, up 0.35% today.
Shares of Trump’s company, Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT) are up 4.18% today, last trading at $18.79.
View Trump Media Interactive Stock Chart on Barchart
Read Next: Trump Media (DJT) Stock Faces Sharp Decline as Lock-Up Date Looms
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