Trump, Harris To Face Off In Pivotal US Presidential Debate: Here’s What You Can Expect – News18
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
US Vice President Kamala Harris (L) speaks at a campaign programme and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at his campaign event. (Image: AP/File)
This presidential debate – hosted by ABC News – could have a far-reaching impact on deciding where the voter’s pulse lies as the United States goes to polls on November 5
Americans love a presidential debate. And this time they have a second opportunity with the much-awaited one between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Tuesday night (September 10) — a moment that could be as pivotal in this year’s election race as US President Joe Biden dropping out of it in July.
Vice-President Kamala Harris, Biden’s replacement has bolstered the Democratic Party’s campaign that was, quite frankly, rudderless and lacklustre at best only a few months ago. Former president Donald Trump, who seemed to be going strong for a possible second term, is not being perceived to be as menacing as before.
But, this presidential debate – hosted by ABC News – could have a far-reaching impact on deciding where the voter’s pulse lies as the country goes to polls on November 5.
That Trump is a popular name, is more or less established. Harris, meanwhile, has been the vice-president long enough to rack up support, but is she still as well-known to sway voters on the biggest stage in US politics?
After all, the campaign has dramatically changed since the last debate in June. Biden fumbled with a disastrous performance, and bowed out in rapid fashion. Trump survived an assassination attempt and both sides chose their running mates.
The debate will, nevertheless, provide crucial details to Americans on where the two presidential candidates stand.
Here’s all you need to know:
Where do Harris and Trump stand going into debate?
The debate is taking place only eight weeks before the November 5 election, with Trump and Harris locked in a tight race that could still easily swing in either direction. Early voting will start in some states just days after the debate.
The encounter is particularly important for Harris, with opinion polls showing that more than a quarter of likely voters feel they do not yet know enough about her. This is in contrast to the well-known Trump.
A former prosecutor, she will get the chance to make her case against him in this debate. The background for which is that he is riddled with felony convictions and has openly backed his supporters convicted in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
The two presidential candidates will meet for the first time, following weeks of personal attacks on Harris by Trump and his allies that have included racist and sexist insults. His running mate JD Vance’s comments on the country being run by a “bunch of childless cat ladies” grabbed headlines for days, which possibly alluded to her not having biological children.
While presidential debates do not always move the needle, they can transform the dynamics of a race. Biden’s faltering performance against Trump in June was so damaging that he was forced to abandon his campaign.
In a contest that could again come down to tens of thousands of votes in a handful of states, even a small shift in public opinion could alter the outcome. The two candidates are effectively tied in the seven battleground states likely to decide the election, as per polling averages compiled by The New York Times.
“There is more for Kamala Harris to gain and more for her to lose,” said Mitchell McKinney, a former adviser to the US Commission on Presidential Debates, since she remains somewhat of an unknown for many voters.
Viewers will be looking for where she stands on various issues. But just as important, they will be looking to see how she handles herself against Trump. By contrast, he is already well defined. “You’re either for him or against him at this point,” McKinney said.
When and where to watch the debate, what are the rules?
The debate is being hosted by ABC News debate and will be live on air at 9 pm ET (1 am GMT and 6.30 am IST on Wednesday, September 11).
The 90-minute debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. As agreed by the campaigns, there will be no live audience and microphones will be muted when it is not a candidate’s turn to speak.
(With agency inputs)
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