Roomies, the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is goin’ down TONIGHT. Now, The Shade Room is running down everything you need to know ahead of the debate — and we’re also bringing you live updates.
Presidential Debate: When & Where Is It Being Held?
According to WESH, the much anticipated “high-pressure” event will kick off tonight at 9 p.m. VP Harris and former President Trump will reportedly meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the National Constitution Center. Additionally, their debate will reportedly last 90 minutes, per CBS News.
What Can Viewers Expect, And What Will Be Discussed?
Neither Harris nor Trump will be allowed to “bring props or prewritten notes on stage.” Furthermore, there will not be a live audience present, similar to when President Biden and Trump debated in June.
According to ABC — the network hosting the debate — neither candidate will receive “topics or questions” ahead of the discussion. Both Harris and Trump will be given two minutes to answer questions and share rebuttals and “one extra minute for follow-ups, clarifications, or responses.”
Furthermore, both candidates’ microphones will only be on when it is their time to speak.
How Can You Tune In?
Per CBS News, the pair’s debate could reportedly be their only one before the November election. Viewers can tune in via the ABC network, and additional streaming platforms will also be sharing the broadcast live. According to the outlet, this includes: ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, CBS News 24/7, and Paramount+.
What Are Political Experts Saying Ahead Of The Presidential Debate? How Is VP Kamala Harris And Donald Trump Doing?
According to WESH, some political experts believe the occasion could be helpful to the Democratic party. Ari Fleischer, a Republican communications strategist and former press secretary to President George W. Bush, reportedly told the outlet:
“If she performs great, it’s going to be a nice surprise for the Democrats, and they’ll rejoice,” Fleischer explained. “If she flops, like Joe Biden did, it could break this race wide open. So there’s more riding on it.”
Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Danielle Alvarez, has said the stakes are “high.”
“The bar is very high. We know that she’s [Harris] going to be a good debater. The president is going to take on her record as a prosecutor, but the bar is high for her because it’s a truncated campaign,” Alvarez explained.
Nonetheless, the outlet reports that Trump is in “good spirits,” while VP Harris appears “calm, cool and collected,” — so much so that on the morning of September 10, she even released an ad seemingly trolling Trump.
Furthermore, Newsweek adds that President Biden has shared how he feels VP Harris will perform tonight.
“I think she’s going to do great,” the president reportedly told the press. “I’m not going to tell you what advice I gave her.”
Meanwhile, Melania Trump has even released a video statement just moments before the debate, seemingly showing her support for her husband. In the video, Melania explained that the July 13 assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life was a “horrible” experience and she believes the “silence around it feels heavy.”
In the video, Melania stares into the camera with a firm expression and asserts that more information needs to be “uncovered” about how government officials handled the event.
Live Updates: The Debate Kicks Off With Discussion About The Economy
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VP Harris and Trump took the stage, Harris entering from the right while Trump entered from the left. The pair — who have never previously met — shared a handshake before beginning the debate.
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VP Harris and Trump were then presented with the question, “When it comes to the economy, do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?”
In response, VP Harris seemingly acknowledged the unfavorable state of the economy and referenced her vows to provide families with $6,000 tax cuts. While speaking, VP Harris even referenced the former President’s prior term, noting that he initiated the “worst attack on our democracy.”
“Donald Trump has no plan for you,” Harris stated, seemingly speaking to American viewers.
In response, Trump alleged that VP Harris does not have a plan to better the economy.
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The Conversation Continues With Discussion About Abortion
As the debate continued, Trump was asked to share why he believes voters should “trust” his stance on abortion. In response, Trump explained that the issue of abortion has “torn the country apart for 52 years.”
Additionally, he alleged that “all” politicians wanted the issue of abortion rights to be left in the jurisdiction of the states rather than the federal government.
Meanwhile, VP Harris explained that “in over 20 states that are Trump abortion bans” which “make no exceptions for rape or incest.” Furthermore, the vice president alleged that those who violate abortion restrictions could even be punished legally and receive jail time.
“You talk about this is what people wanted?!” Harris said emphatically. “…a 12 or 13-year-old survivor of incest being required to carry a pregnancy to term? They don’t want that!”
Furthermore, VP Harris alleged that Donald Trump would even go so far as to implement a national abortion ban. Meanwhile, she would prefer to reinstate the original abortion jurisdiction determined under the 1973 passage of Roe v. Wade.
“The people of America voted for freedom,” Harris asserted.
According to CNN, Trump has not advocated for a national abortion ban during his recent campaign.
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VP Kamala Harris & Donald Trump Discuss Immigration
As the debate discussion shifted to immigration and the security of the border, VP Harris explained that she has worked diligently to advocate for legislation to address the issues of human trafficking, the rise of fentanyl, and the security of the border.
Instead of the legislation being passed, VP Harris alleged that Trump negatively impacted the legislation, preventing it from being passed.
As for Trump, the former president detailed the presence of “millions of criminals” and “terrorists” in the United States, allegedly due to the Biden-Harris campaign.
“Millions of people let in and all over the world, crime is down — except here,” Trump asserted.
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Donald Trump Is Asked To Share His Regrets About The January 6 Insurrection
When asked about the January 6 insurrection or capitol riot, Trump was asked to share his regrets about what occurred that day. In response, Trump explained that he had “nothing to do with what happened that day.”
Additionally, the former president briefly redirected to the alleged issue of border control and the rising of crimes in the country.
When VP Harris shared her thoughts on the matter, she reflected on the “violent mob” Trump allegedly “incited” to harm the capitol.
“But this is not an isolated incident,” Harris said. “Let’s remember Charlottesville – where there was a mob carrying tiki torches… Let’s remember the proud boys… and when the former president said to ‘stand back and stand by.'”
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Furthermore, Harris seemingly chastised Trump for threatening to call for a “bloodbath” if the results of the current presidential election are not to his liking.
Trump responded by asserting that Harris’ claims about Charlotteville were “debunked.” Before ending his statement, Trump asserted that President Biden could close the border and if he did, those impacted by the border’s crossing would initiate more bloodshed than the riots of January 6.
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In turn, Trump alleged that Harris “hates Israel” and the “Arab population.” Ultimately, Trump alleged that he could get the conflict between Israel and Hamas settled before even becoming president.
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The Candidates Speak On Ukraine's War With Russia & Afghanistan
Similarly to his response about the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump alleged that he would be able to quickly end Ukraine’s war with Russia.
In turn, VP Harris recalled how she has worked to “support Ukraine in its righteous defense” to be a “free country.” Furthermore, Harris alleged that world leaders are “thankful” that the U.S. has preserved the independence of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Harris alleged that Trump’s “friendship” with Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, could threaten democracy worldwide.
The candidates ultimately concluded their sentiments with thoughts on how the U.S. exited Afghanistan.
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Donald Trump Is Asked About His Apparent Attacks On Kamala Harris' Racial Identity
As the debate continued, Trump was asked if he believed “it’s appropriate to weigh in on the racial identity” of his opponent. In response, Trump alleged that he doesn’t care about Harris’ racial identity while Harris explained that she believes the American people don’t want a leader who allegedly strives to highlight the differences between individuals.
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The Candidates Speak On Healthcare
Trump was then asked whether he would keep Obamacare in place if re-elected. In turn, Trump explained that the plan is “too expensive for people,” and that if his administration could create a plan that costs less and is better for the public, he would get rid of Obamacare. However, until then, he plans to keep it in place.
In turn, Harris explained that believes it is important to “maintain” and “grow” the presence of the Affordable Care Act.
“We have allowed for the first time, Medicare to negotiate drug prices on behalf of the American people,” she explained. “…Access to affordable healthcare should be a right and not just available to people who can afford it.”
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VP Harris And Donald Trump Speak On Climate Change
On the topic of climate change, Harris shared how proud she is of having invested in a “clean energy economy.” Additionally, Harris detailed the importance of investing in American products and manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Trump alleged Harris’ statements were incorrect and the Biden-Harris administration has given too much opportunity to overseas manufacturers.
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Scroll Below To See More Viral Debate Moments:
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Social Media Reacts
Meanwhile, politicians, celebrities and social media users alike are BUZZING with reactions to VP Harris’s and Donald Trump’s exchange.
Swipe below to see a few shared by Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Donald Trump Jr., Tamar Braxton, and others.
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Furthermore, check out some reactions shared via X, formerly known as Twitter.
