Quick Guide To The First Presidential Debate
What to look for tonight during the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
With September upon us, it is time for the first televised presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This will be aired live on ABC News at 6pm PT / 9pm ET for 90 minutes.
While I may not be the world's preeminent subject matter expert on the topic, I was the captain of my high school debate team. I’ll explain how to watch tonight’s debate, hot topics that may be addressed and how either Trump or Harris could emerge victorious.
How To Watch The First Presidential Debate
You can watch the first presidential debate tonight at 9pm ET on the ABC News website. This will be simulcast on NBC, CBS, and news stations nationwide.
Hot Topics to Watch for on the Presidential Debate Stage
Immigration
Childcare
The Child Tax Credit
Russia / Ukraine
Israel / Palestine
Proposed “Tax on Tips” Law
Capital Gains Tax
Gun Safety
LGBT Issues
The Supreme Court
Rules of the First Presidential Debate
According to ABC News, each of the candidates will have their mics muted while the other candidate is speaking. The debate moderators will ask all of the questions and candidates will not be permitted to ask questions of each other.
How Kamala Harris Can Win
Harris can win by deflecting critiques and maintaining authoritative positions on policy statements. This may be a challenge because as a sitting Vice President, Harris may be subject to criticism for Biden Administration policies and their current effects.
How Donald Trump Can Win
Trump can win by going after Harris about the current policies of the Biden Administration, the economy, and immigration. His debate style is aggressive and he typically uses personal attacks. This may be an area where Harris is not as comfortable.
Issues Trump May Be Confronted With
Business Failures / Bankruptcies
2024 Republican Primary Debates (Trump did not participate)
Indictments / Pending Cases
Issues Harris May Be Confronted With
Record As Attorney General For The State Of California
2024 Democratic Primaries (Biden participated without debating, left the race In July)
Current Policy Platform / Biden/Harris Administration Policies
Previous Debates from Each Candidate
Vice Presidential Debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris
Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump
How Donald Trump Reacts to Interruption
"Excuse me."
"I'm the one who's talking here."
How Kamala Harris Reacts to Interruption
"I'm speaking."
"If you could let me finish.."
Why Aren’t Third Party Candidates on the Debate Stage?
In May of 2024, 71% of respondents of a Harvard CAPS / Harris poll said that independent and third-party candidates should debate alongside Democrats and Republicans. Candidates are excluded due to arbitrary thresholds.
Enjoy the debates and let me know your thoughts about who came out on top and whose performance fizzled.