Voters across Metro Atlanta and the rest of the country are gearing up for tonight’s first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. As the clock ticks down to November 5th, this 90-minute debate could prove decisive in shaping voters’ opinions, especially in a race that’s currently almost split even in the polls.
Scheduled to start tonight at 9 p.m. ET, the debate will be broadcast live on ABC, with the option to watch it on the news station’s website and app for free as well. Disney+ and Hulu will also be streaming it. PBS is set to provide live coverage with several other networks expected to air the debate too.
ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate and be in charge of enforcing the rules that, after much back and forth between the two campaigns, have finally been decided upon. There will be no opening statements, and for closing statements, each candidate will be allowed two minutes. Following a virtual coin toss, former President Trump chose to speak last and go second in closing statements. Each candidate will be expected to stay behind their podium and Vice President Harris has chosen the right hand side after the same virtual coin toss.
Harris and Trump will have two minutes to answer each question, two minutes for rebuttals, and one minute for further clarifications or responses. To keep them from interrupting each other, the candidates’ microphones will be muted while their opponent is speaking. Furthermore, the candidates are not allowed to question each other during the debate. No one was given the questions, or even general topics, in advance and no prewritten notes nor props are allowed on stage.
With just 55 days to go until Election Day, tonight’s debate is not to be missed.
