As the 2024 election season heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for a crucial debate in Philadelphia. Scheduled for Tuesday night at 9 p.m. Eastern, this event promises to offer voters a detailed look at the evolving campaign landscape.
Since the last debate in June, significant developments have unfolded. President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the race following a lackluster performance, while Trump survived an assassination attempt. Both candidates have also selected their running mates, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Trump's recent rhetoric on elections has taken a foreboding turn as the voting period draws near. The Republican nominee has issued warnings of prosecution for those he accuses of cheating in the election, echoing his baseless claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 election. Despite lacking evidence, Trump has doubled down on his assertions, vowing to crack down on alleged wrongdoers should he emerge victorious in November.
As the debate approaches, strict rules have been put in place to ensure a fair and orderly exchange between Harris and Trump. The event will not feature an audience, live microphones when candidates are not speaking, or written notes. These guidelines mirror those established for the previous debate between Trump and Biden, which proved to be a pivotal moment in the campaign.
This debate is currently the only one on the schedule and may serve as the sole opportunity for voters to witness Harris and Trump engage directly before the general election in November. The stakes are high as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters and solidify their positions in the race.
For the latest updates on Election 2024 and comprehensive coverage of the Trump-Harris debate, visit the AP's dedicated election coverage hub at: AP Election 2024 Coverage.