US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first debate on Tuesday, with both looking to gain an edge in the fiercely contested race for the White House. After weeks of deliberations over where, when and how the debate would take place, US broadcaster ABC – which is hosting the event – this week announced the final rules for the contest, which have been agreed upon by both campaigns.
The main points are as follows.
When and where to watch the Trump vs Harris debate?
The debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 9:00 pm on Tuesday (0100 GMT on Wednesday) and will be broadcast live. There will be no audience in the room.
The event will be hosted by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis and will feature a 90-minute debate, with two ad breaks.
Mikes muted in Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris debate,
The issue of whether microphones would be muted – as was done during the previous debate between US President Joe Biden and Trump – was a contentious issue, with each side accusing the other of cowardice.
ABC announced that each candidate’s microphone would only be on when it was his or her turn to speak, and would be muted when it was another candidate’s turn to speak.
Only the moderator will be allowed to ask questions and no topic or question will be shared with the candidates in advance.
Who speaks when?
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will not give opening statements. They will be given two minutes to answer each question, while their opponent will be given two minutes to respond.
According to the rules, an additional minute will be given for “follow-up action, clarification or response.”
At the end of the debate, each candidate will deliver a two-minute closing statement, with Trump speaking last depending on the result of a virtual coin flip.
no support
Candidates will stand behind a podium throughout the debate, with no equipment or pre-written notes allowed.
Trump and Harris will each be given a pen, a pad of paper and a bottle of water.
Campaign staff will not be permitted to talk or interact with candidates during advertising breaks.
