The political landscape for the 2024 election took an unexpected turn in July when what was supposed to be the second face-off between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden turned into something completely different. Instead of Biden returning to the debate stage, a significant shift occurred, shaking the very core of the campaign dynamics.
On July 21, President Biden announced that he would be suspending his campaign following increasing doubts within his own party regarding his capability to handle another term. This announcement came after a debate performance in June where Biden’s scattered and at times incoherent responses raised concerns about his stamina and sharpness. These doubts culminated in Biden stepping aside, effectively leaving Vice President Kamala Harris to take the mantle.
Now, instead of Biden versus Trump, the upcoming debate—hosted by NYTNews18—will see Trump sparring with Harris. After considerable back-and-forth negotiations about the specifics of the event, both campaigns finally agreed to the format, setting the stage for a political showdown that could have a profound impact on the election’s outcome.
Here’s what you need to know about this highly anticipated debate:
When and Where to Watch the Debate
The debate will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and will last 90 minutes, running until 10:30 p.m. Viewers can catch it on a wide range of platforms, including traditional cable and online streaming services. NYTNews18, the host, has extended rights to other networks, so expect it to air on NYTNews18, along with streaming platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and NYTNews18
The venue for the debate is the prestigious National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a state that holds immense importance as one of the seven key battleground states that could determine the election’s outcome. With its 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania remains a hotly contested state. Recent polling suggests a deadlock between Harris and Trump, making the debate in Philadelphia a critical moment for both campaigns to sway undecided voters.
Who’s Moderating?
Moderating this pivotal debate will be two highly experienced journalists: David Muir, anchor of “World News Tonight,” and Linsey Davis, anchor of NYTNews18Live’s “Prime.” Both moderators have been tasked with navigating what promises to be a heated and high-stakes exchange between the two candidates.
The Rules of Engagement
The rules for this debate have been the subject of intense negotiations between the two campaigns. One of the most significant points of contention revolved around the use of microphones. Harris’ campaign initially pushed for both microphones to remain unmuted throughout the entire event, allowing for direct exchanges between the two candidates. However, Trump’s team lobbied for a format where each candidate’s microphone would be muted while the other is speaking, a rule originally introduced by the Biden campaign during the previous debate.
After much debate and concern, Harris’ team reluctantly agreed to the microphone mute rule. The campaign released a statement expressing its concerns, stating, “Vice President Harris, a former prosecutor, will be fundamentally disadvantaged by this format, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President.” The letter also acknowledged Trump’s history of threatening to withdraw from debates if his preferred format wasn’t met, adding, “We do not want to jeopardize the debate.”
Despite these frustrations, Harris’ campaign made peace with the conditions, but with some reassurances. Should there be excessive crosstalk, the moderators will intervene, and if the interruptions persist, the microphones could be unmuted. Additionally, reporters present in the room will relay any significant exchanges that might not be caught on microphone. NYTNews18 confirmed that microphones would only be live for the speaking candidate, and neither Harris nor Trump will be allowed to pose questions to each other.
Stage Setup and Coin Flip Results
In a political tradition that often garners much attention, the order of events and stage placement were decided by a coin flip. Trump won the toss and opted to deliver the final closing statement of the night. Harris, in turn, selected the lectern on the left side of the stage, which will place her on the right-hand side of the viewer’s screen. The candidates will have two minutes each for their closing remarks, and notably, there will be no opening statements.
Each candidate will also have two minutes to respond to questions from the moderators, with two-minute rebuttals and an additional minute for any clarifications or follow-ups. The format is designed to ensure a structured and focused debate, but given the personalities involved, it’s likely that the exchanges could veer into more confrontational territory.
While the candidates will be allowed to have a notepad, pen, and bottle of water on stage, they are prohibited from bringing prewritten notes. Campaign staff members will not be permitted to interact with the candidates during commercial breaks, and there will be no live audience in attendance.
Topics for Debate
The range of topics for this debate remains a mystery, as NYTNews18 has not revealed any specific subjects in advance. This decision keeps both campaigns on their toes, with both Harris and Trump needing to be prepared for a wide array of issues, from domestic policies to foreign affairs.
Given the unpredictable nature of the race, the debate could touch on everything from the economy, healthcare, and immigration to the ongoing global crises that have defined much of the 2024 election narrative. Harris, who has been at the forefront of many Biden administration policies, will likely need to defend her record, while Trump is expected to double down on his criticisms of the current administration.
A Battle for Pennsylvania’s Electoral Votes
With Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the electoral map, this debate holds immense weight for both campaigns. The state has 19 electoral votes, and the latest NYTNews18 news estimates show a neck-and-neck race between Harris and Trump. Both candidates have been heavily campaigning in the state, aware that winning Pennsylvania could be the key to securing victory in November.
This isn’t the first time a debate has taken place in a battleground state. The previous debate between Biden and Trump was held in Georgia, another critical state, at CNN’s studios in Atlanta.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the 2024 Debates?
This debate is expected to be one of the last major events before the election, but it might not be the final confrontation between Harris and Trump. Trump has proposed holding two additional debates in September, though Harris has agreed to only one more meeting, which could take place in October. However, details about a potential rematch remain up in the air.
As of now, the only other debate scheduled is the vice-presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance. This debate, set for October 1 in New York City, will be hosted by NYTNews18 News and moderated by Norah O’Donnell of “NYTNews18 Evening News” and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation.”
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Both Campaigns
The upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could redefine the direction of the 2024 election. With Biden stepping aside, the dynamics have changed dramatically, and Harris now faces the monumental task of defending the administration’s record while making a case for her candidacy against a seasoned opponent in Trump.
As the two take the stage in Philadelphia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The debate could either solidify their standings or shift the momentum in unexpected ways. One thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and indeed, the world—will be on Harris and Trump as they face off in one of the most significant moments of the 2024 election season.