Australians eager to watch the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump can tune in live on Wednesday, September 11 at 11am AEST.
Key details
- Date and Time: The debate is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 at 9 pm US Eastern Time, which translates to 11 am AEST on Wednesday, September 11.
- Location: The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state in the US election.
- Moderators: The event will be moderated by ABC News anchors Linsey Davis and David Muir, both of whom have extensive experience covering US politics.
Debate format and rules
The debate will last 90 minutes and include two commercial breaks. Here are the key rules:
- No Props or Pre-Written Notes: Both candidates will stand behind podiums without notes. They will only have a pen and paper for use during the debate.
- Muted Microphones: The candidates’ microphones will be muted except when they are given permission to speak.
- No Opening Statements: Unlike previous debates, there will be no opening statements. However, each candidate will have two minutes for closing remarks. Donald Trump, having won a coin toss, will deliver the final closing statement.
- No Live Audience: There will be no live audience in attendance, but select reporters will be present in the room without the opportunity to ask questions.
How to watch the presidential debate in Australia
Forbes will bring you a live stream of the debate from 11am AEST.
Key background
The Harris-Trump debate is the most crucial event of the 2024 US presidential race so far. It comes just two months after President Joe Biden dropped out following a disastrous debate against Trump. Harris quickly stepped in, securing the Democratic nomination with near-unanimous party support. Since then, she has closed the polling gap with Trump, particularly in key battleground states.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with this being the only debate before the November election.
What is Trump expected to say?
Trump is expected to label Harris as too liberal and criticise her past positions on issues like fracking and Medicare for All.
He’s likely to link her closely to the Biden administration, focusing on economic struggles and immigration policies.
What is Harris expected to say?
Harris is likely to portray Trump as unfit for office, focusing on his role in the January 6th Capitol attack and his stance on women’s reproductive rights.
She will likely emphasise her experience and stability, arguing that Trump is a threat to democracy and global alliances.
Harris will also defend her record, aiming to present herself as a safer and more stable option.
Crucial quote
“I expect a lot of untruth from Trump… he fights for himself, not for the American people.” – Kamala Harris.
Big number
63 Million: The number of people who watched the first 2020 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, according to Nielsen ratings. With the Harris-Trump debate being the first and only debate before the 2024 election, viewership is expected to reach similar or even higher numbers.
