Philadelphia to Host First Presidential Debate Between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

Philadelphia, known as the “Birthplace of America,” will host the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The debate is scheduled for September 10 at the National Constitution Center, a venue close to the historic Independence Hall.

The event will start at 9 p.m. EST and will be moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, as reported by The Hill. Although Trump had previously criticized ABC News and said he wouldn’t attend the debate, he has now changed his mind and will participate, along with two other debates.

Kamala Harris’s campaign has also confirmed her participation in two debates, including the one in September. Originally, Trump was supposed to debate President Joe Biden, but after Biden withdrew from the race, Harris, now the Democratic nominee, stepped in.

According to The New Yorker, Harris may benefit from facing Trump in these debates. The magazine noted that Trump often shifts focus from policies to personal attacks, especially on crowd sizes, rather than addressing issues.

Several Republican strategists have urged Trump to focus on policies instead of attacking Harris personally. However, Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, defended Trump’s campaign style, saying that since Trump won the primaries, he has the right to run his campaign the way he wants.

“For those who think Trump should do things differently, they had the chance to challenge him during three primaries, all of which he won,” Vance said. “So Trump has earned the right to run his campaign his way.”

On the Democratic side, Kamala Harris has brought new energy to the party, according to Julian Zelizer, a historian at Princeton University. He noted that Harris’s presence on the ticket has changed the tone of the campaign, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Democratic Party.

The upcoming debate is expected to be a major moment in the election, with the candidates sharing their ideas on the future of the country. Many believe Philadelphia, with its deep historical ties to American democracy, is the perfect setting for this important event.

Moira Bagley Smith, Communications Director for the National Constitution Center, shared her excitement about the debate. “We’re just steps away from Independence Hall, where American democracy began,” she told CBS News. “Having this debate here is a great moment for Philadelphia.”

Bagley Smith also emphasized that the Constitution Center is known for hosting thoughtful and respectful debates, and she hopes this one will follow that tradition.

As the candidates prepare to debate in Philadelphia, their performances could greatly impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.