With the presidential election less than two months away, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set for their first debate.
If you’re planning to watch, here’s everything you need to know for tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 9, including how to watch, what time it starts, and more.
When Is the Debate?
The debate will air at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes, ending at 10:30 p.m. ET, with two commercial breaks.
It will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, one of the key battleground states. Pennsylvania, with 19 electoral votes, is currently a close race between Harris and Trump, according to the latest polls.
Back in June, the last debate between President Joe Biden and Trump took place in Georgia, another battleground state. In 2020, Pennsylvania’s electoral votes were crucial in securing Biden’s victory over Trump.
Where to Watch the Debate
ABC News will air the debate in partnership with its local affiliate, WPVI-TV/6ABC, as well as on streaming platforms ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. The debate will be moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis.
Other networks, including CBS (Paramount+), CNN, NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox, Univision, PBS, Fox News, and The CW, will also broadcast the debate live.
You can also watch it live on NBC4 or the News4 streaming channel, accessible for free on platforms like The Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus.
Debate Rules
The rules are similar to the previous Trump-Biden debate from June. According to ABC:
- Microphones will be live only when it’s a candidate’s turn to speak and muted otherwise.
- Moderators will manage the time and ensure a respectful conversation.
- There will be no live audience.
- Candidates are prohibited from using written notes.
- Each will have a pen, paper, and water bottle. No staff assistance will be permitted during the two commercial breaks.
- Candidates cannot ask each other questions.
- There will be no opening statements, and closing statements are limited to two minutes.
ABC News reported that Trump won a virtual coin toss to determine podium placement and closing statement order. He chose to deliver the final closing statement, while Harris selected the right podium spot.
