US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off in their first debate on Tuesday night, marking a key moment in the closely contested race for the White House. Hosted by ABC, this historic debate follows extensive negotiations over the format and rules.

Debate Details

Taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the 90-minute debate will start at 9:00 PM local time (6:30 AM IST Wednesday) and will be broadcast live across major networks. The event will be held without an audience to minimize distractions.

ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate, which will include two commercial breaks.

Rules for a Smooth Exchange

To ensure order, each candidate's microphone will be live only during their speaking time, with the other’s mic muted. This decision, amid debate over whether to mute microphones to prevent interruptions, aims to facilitate a more structured discussion. Questions will be posed by the moderators, with no advance notice given to the candidates.

Debate Structure

The debate will not include opening statements. Candidates will have two minutes to answer questions, followed by a two-minute rebuttal from their opponent. An additional minute will be provided for further responses. Each candidate will deliver a two-minute closing statement, with Trump speaking last due to a coin toss.

Guidelines on Props and Interaction

Candidates will remain behind podiums with no props or pre-written notes. They will have only a pen, a pad of paper, and a bottle of water. Campaign staff will not interact with candidates during commercial breaks, ensuring that they rely solely on their preparation.

High Stakes

With polls showing a tight race, the debate is a critical opportunity for Trump to defend his record and for Harris to strengthen her presidential bid. The outcome could significantly impact the final weeks of the campaign.