Trump-Harris Debate: Key Rules and Details

Next week, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in a highly anticipated debate, airing live on ABC. The debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. EDT at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, marking the first direct confrontation between the two since Harris joined the Democratic ticket. ABC News finalized the debate rules, with one of the most notable being the enforcement of muted microphones when the candidates are not speaking—a measure proposed by Trump’s campaign. This 90-minute event, hosted by ABC News anchor David Muir and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live’s “Prime,” will take place without a live audience, following a format similar to a prior debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.

The implementation of muted microphones is significant, as it highlights the differences between the two campaigns leading up to the event. Harris’ team had initially pushed for unmuted microphones, arguing that it would reveal Trump’s tendency to interrupt, a behavior frequently displayed during previous debates. Despite Trump’s public opposition to the rule, his campaign ultimately favored muted microphones. This decision contrasts with Trump’s earlier stance during his 2020 campaign, when he vehemently opposed similar measures.

The debate rules further stipulate that there will be no opening statements, and neither Trump nor Harris will be allowed to ask each other questions directly. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to the moderators’ questions, followed by two minutes for rebuttals. An additional minute is allotted for further clarification or responses. Candidates are also prohibited from using pre-written notes or interacting with staff during the debate, which will feature two commercial breaks. Trump won the coin toss to deliver the final closing statement, while Harris chose to stand at the podium to the right of viewers’ screens.

In the days leading up to the debate, there was considerable back-and-forth between the two campaigns over the microphone rule and other logistical details. Both campaigns announced on Wednesday that they had agreed to the finalized debate structure set by ABC News, ending the debate over muted microphones. The event will be widely accessible, airing live on ABC and available through streaming platforms such as ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.

The debate is part of a broader series of events, though there has been some confusion over the dates and platforms. Trump initially mentioned participating in a Fox News debate on Sept. 4 and another on Sept. 25, hosted by ABC. However, his campaign later clarified that the ABC debate would take place on Sept. 10, with NBC slated to host the Sept. 25 event. Harris has only committed to the Sept. 10 debate at this point, while NBC has indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the Sept. 25 debate. This debate will be critical for both candidates as they seek to present their respective platforms to a national audience.

Trump’s decision to participate in the debate comes after weeks of speculation over whether he would follow through. His campaign initially expressed concerns over ABC’s debate rules, citing bias and unfavorable conditions. These concerns echoed Trump’s stance during the 2020 election, where he pushed back against rules imposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates, particularly the decision to mute microphones during his second debate with Biden. Despite the friction, Trump’s campaign ultimately agreed to the conditions laid out for the upcoming event.

The stakes for this debate are high. Trump sees the event as an opportunity to regain footing after a challenging summer, marked by declining poll numbers and internal party turmoil. Despite his strong position in Republican primary polling, Trump has faced criticism for his handling of recent controversies and a growing divide within the party. For Harris, the debate presents a chance to establish herself as a central figure in the Democratic Party, stepping out of the shadow of President Biden. A strong performance could reinforce her standing as a capable leader and potentially pave the way for future leadership within the party.

The future of further debates remains uncertain. While Trump has expressed willingness to participate in additional debates, Harris has only confirmed her participation in the Sept. 10 event. Both campaigns are likely weighing the benefits and risks of engaging in more debates. For Trump, additional debates offer a platform to engage directly with Harris, which he thrives on. However, Harris may prefer to limit confrontations, especially if she performs well in the initial debate.

Looking ahead, a vice-presidential debate is also scheduled for Oct. 1, which will be broadcast on CBS. While much of the focus remains on the Trump-Harris debate, the vice-presidential debate will provide further insight into each party’s strategy as they prepare for the 2024 election. The outcome of the debates will likely shape the narrative moving forward and offer voters a clearer understanding of where each candidate stands on key issues.