The first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia next week, hosted by ABC, will include muted microphones when the other candidate is speaking. Both candidates have accepted the rules, which also include two seated moderators, no opening or closing statements, and no audience in the room. The debate will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks.
Trump initially threatened to pull out of the debate, citing concerns about fairness, but ultimately agreed to participate. The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a critical swing state with 19 electoral college votes.
The rules set by ABC, agreed upon by both campaigns, include no opening statements, candidates standing behind podiums, no props or prewritten notes, and no shared topics or questions in advance. Harris and Trump will have the opportunity to give two-minute answers, two-minute rebuttals, and one extra minute for follow-ups or clarifications.
Trump won the coin toss to determine podium placement and the order of closing statements. He chose to offer the last closing statement, while Harris selected the right podium position on the screen. The debate is expected to be a crucial moment in the election campaign, as both candidates seek to present their visions for the future of the country.
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