This article takes a detailed look at the rules, format, duration, and commercial breaks for this highly anticipated event of the Presidential Debate between Harris and Trump
The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is set to take place on September 10, 2024, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With this debate, marking their first one-on-one encounter during the election process, this could easily become the defining moment of the 2024 presidential election. Herein are the details of the rules, format, duration, and commercial breaks of this hotly anticipated event.
Format of the Debate
The debate will last 90 minutes and will be moderated by the anchors of ABC News, David Muir and Linsey Davis. The debate format remains similar to many other presidential debates and to that of Trump’s debate against President Biden in June. Here are the key elements of the format:
- No opening statements: This debate will not open like many previous debates, with opening statements from each of the candidates; instead, the debate will start with a question from the moderators. Then,
- Question and answer: The candidate will have up to two minutes to respond to each question. Then the opposing candidate will also have up to two minutes for rebuttal.
- Follow-up responses: Following the rebuttal, each candidate will receive one minute more to make a clarification or an additional response to the discussion.
- Closing statements: Each candidate will deliver a closing statement that is two minutes long at the close of debate. Trump won a coin toss that guarantees him speaking last among the two candidates during the closing remarks.
Rules of engagement
There are numerous set rules the debate will follow for the purpose of ensuring sanity and fairness:
- Muted microphones: One notable rule involves each candidate’s microphone being turned on only when it is that candidate’s turn to speak. When one candidate is speaking to the audience, the other’s microphone will be turned off. The rule has been a point of contention; Harris’s campaign expressed concerns this could disadvantage her by blocking direct exchanges with Trump.
- No live audiences: No live audience will be in attendance during the debate, a venue that reduces distractions and interruptions. The rationale behind such thinking for this decision would be a controlled environment.
- No props or notes: Candidates will not be allowed to use any props or pre-written notes in the debate. At their podiums, they will be allowed an attorney pen, notepad, and a bottle of water, nothing else.
- No interaction during breaks: It further bans the campaign staff from interacting with the candidates during those commercial breaks to ensure that no last-minute coaching or strategy adjustments can take place.
Commercial breaks
The debate will contain two commercial breaks during its 90-minute broadcast. This is opposed to the normal debates which are break-free. The candidates shall not, at any time, leave their respective podia during these breaks, and any contact with the campaign staff is forbidden. This will prevent any tactical talk or changes during the breaks. This rule is to preserve the veracity of the debate.
The debate between Harris and Trump is expected to be one of the critical events in the presidential race of 2024, where each candidate will be clearly able to articulate his vision and react to another candidate’s policy.
This debate has a strict format, with muted microphones, no audience, and very strict rules regarding the interaction between candidates. This debate, as the election draws nearer, is very likely to play a significant role in shaping public opinions and influencing undecided voters. Circle your calendar for September 10, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET because this event will fall as a major moment in the White House race.
