Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to clash in a pivotal televised debate on Tuesday, a key moment just under two months before the US presidential election.
The stakes are enormous for both the Democratic vice president and the Republican former president, with tens of millions of Americans expected to tune in at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (0100 GMT Wednesday) to watch the showdown, which could be their first and only debate.
With the polls showing a tight race ahead of the November 5 election, even a single misstep or sharp remark could significantly shift the balance in one of the most dramatic presidential contests in US history.
For Harris, 59, the debate is a crucial opportunity to connect with voters who may still be unfamiliar with her, especially as the initial enthusiasm following her sudden replacement of President Joe Biden in July begins to wane.
Meanwhile, Trump, 78, will likely focus on issues like the economy and immigration to challenge Harris, though he may also resort to the sexist and racist attacks he’s directed at her during the campaign.
Harris, who holds a substantial lead among women in the polls, is expected to confront Trump on reproductive rights, particularly after his recent contradictory remarks on abortion.
The two candidates will meet face-to-face for the first time during the ABC News debate in Philadelphia, increasing the chances for a heated exchange.
“This debate could go down in history. Get the popcorn ready,” said Andrew Koneschusky, a former press secretary for Senate leader Chuck Schumer.
The 90-minute debate will take place without an audience.
Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president in US history, arrived in Philadelphia after intense preparation, including mock sessions where one of her aides reportedly dressed in a Trump-like suit.
In contrast, Trump has taken a more casual approach to his seventh presidential debate, arriving just hours before and limiting his preparations.
The debate, though moderated, will still offer a stark contrast in styles: Harris, a former prosecutor known for her sharp debating skills, and Trump, a political brawler known for his aggressive tactics.
“There’s no limit to how low he’ll go,” Harris remarked in a recent interview. “He’ll probably tell a lot of lies.”
Trump, who has been convicted of falsifying business records and accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election, is known for his unpredictable debating style.
Jason Miller, Trump’s spokesman, compared preparing for Trump to preparing for a legendary boxer: “It’s like getting ready to fight Floyd Mayweather or Muhammad Ali.”
Harris is under pressure to clearly present her policies, especially after a New York Times/Siena poll showed Trump slightly ahead, with the two candidates neck-and-neck in key battleground states.
With six presidential debates already behind him, Trump is far more experienced on this stage. However, his abrasive style could alienate swing voters, especially if he targets Harris, who is aiming to become the first female president in US history.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to celebrate his last debate victory, where 81-year-old Joe Biden’s poor performance forced him out of the race.
The vice-presidential candidates, Democrat Tim Walz and Republican J.D. Vance, are scheduled for their debate on October 1.