The United States will soon host a second general election debate between newly elected Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
This debate comes months after US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the election on July 21 and endorsed Vice President Harris. Biden faced massive backlash within his party over his ability to run for another term after a muddled debate performance against Trump in June.
The debate is organized by ABC News and will be a 90-minute showdown between the two leaders at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
When is the debate?
The debate begins on September 11 at 6:30 a.m. IST (9:00 p.m. ET).
Who moderates the presidential debate?
David Muir, host of “World News Tonight” and Linsey Davis, host of ABC News Live’s “Prime,” will moderate the debate.
What are the rules?
ABC News has announced updated rules for the upcoming debate. According to the new rule, “microphones will be live only for the candidate whose time it is to speak and muted when the time belongs to another candidate.” Additionally, only moderators will be allowed to ask questions of the candidates.
A virtual coin toss was held Tuesday to determine the order of closing statements and podium placement. Former President Trump won the coin toss and chose to determine the order of closing statements. As a result, Trump will deliver the final closing statement. Vice President Haris chose the correct podium position on the left of the stage.
The debate will not include opening statements. Each candidate will have two minutes for his/her closing statement. For each question asked, candidates will have two minutes to respond, followed by a two-minute rebuttal. An additional minute will be given for follow-up questions, clarifications or reactions.
Candidates stand behind podiums throughout the debate and no props or pre-written notes are allowed on stage. Each candidate is given a pen, notepad and bottle of water.
Campaign workers are not allowed to communicate with candidates during commercial breaks.
Where can you watch the debate?
According to ABC News, the debate will air live at 6:30 a.m. IST (9 p.m. ET) on the network, ABC News Live 24/7 streaming network, and Fox News. OTT platforms such as Disney+ and Hulu will also stream it live.
ABC News will also air a special pre-debate broadcast, “Race for the White House,” at 5:30 p.m. IST (8 p.m. ET), hosted by chief global affairs correspondent and “This Week” co-host Martha Raddatz, chief Washington correspondent and “This Week” co-host Jonathan Karl, chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce and senior congressional correspondent Rachel Schot.