Countdown to the biggest TV duel in decades!
Starting at 3 a.m. (German time), rivals Donald Trump (Republican, 78) and Kamala Harris (Democrats, 59) will face each other in a 90-minute debate at the historic Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
For both of them, eight weeks before the Presidential elections (5 November) – the best chance to force a preliminary decision.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris boards a plane prior to departure from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 171st Air Refueling Wing in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on September 9
Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP
The debate is the next exclamation mark of a political summer the likes of which America has never experienced before: first the debacle of the aged President Joe Biden (81) in the debate in June, then the assassination attempt on Trump and the flying candidate change in the Democrats from Biden to Harris. Two celebratory party conventions in between.
But the reality after almost three months of political drama: a tie in the polls (according to the New York Times, Trump is narrowly ahead).
80 million Americans could watch
Both are therefore looking for a breakthrough in the TV duel. Record ratings are expected: According to experts, over 80 million people could be watching on TV or on digital platforms. The previous record is held by the first duel between Trump and Hillary Clinton (76) in 2016, which was watched by 84 million viewers.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally
Photo: Brian Snyder/REUTERS
The debates about the debate were already heated: there was a dispute about every detail, especially turning off the microphones while the other person was speaking.
Harris wanted it open to capture Trump’s often boisterous style. He, in turn, insisted that Harris, who is naturally smaller in size, should not be allowed to stand on a miniature podium.
► Trump won the coin toss and will therefore have the last word. And these two minutes of a closing argument to the voters could be enough to score points permanently, believes Republican strategist Karl Rove (73): Trump has the best chance here to remind Americans of the low prices and greater security at home and in the world during his era.
Final preparations for the ABC News presidential debate at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia
Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/Getty Images via AFP
Great pressure also on Harris
► The pressure on Harris is even greater: she is less well known among the electorate than Trump. At this appearance before the largest audience of the 2024 election year, she can present her visions for a hoped-for Harris presidency.
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In any case, it is curious: It is the very first meeting between the opponents! There is speculation as to whether there will be a handshake. At least a human moment before the battle of words.
video-heading">Simple and with a serious expressionThis is how Harris presented himself in the TV interview
Source: CNN30.08.2024
