As the United States of America prepares for the US presidential elections scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 5 November, 2024, the political sphere of the country is heating up with debates and campaigns between the two main contenders: former president Donald Trump of the Republican party and vice president Kamala Harris of the Democratic party, which has often led to clashes.
3 Things to Know Before the US Presidential Elections’ debate
Here's what you should know ahead of the Harris vs Trump debate.
1. When is the Trump Vs Harris Debate?
Happening at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the debate could be the only time Trump and Harris go head to head on the debate stage scheduled for the 10th of September, 2024.
The 90-minute debate scheduled for Tuesday will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis without an audience.
During the debate, the candidates (Donald Trump and Kamala Harris) will have two minutes to answer questions and for rebuttals, along with an extra minute for follow-ups, clarifications or responses.
2. Ideologies and Differences Between Candidates
It is quite obvious that Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have different economic policies and differences in political style and experiences. So how could this play out?
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is running again in the 2024 election after a four-year term and a subsequent loss in 2020 US presidential election to President Joe Biden.
Just as it was with the first election, Donald Trump’s campaigns focus on populism, nationalism, and his "America First" policies. An example of this can be seen when he proposed a 100% tariff plan on countries that intend to shift dominance away from the US Dollars. Throughout his career, Trump has built a reputation as a political outsider and businessman, often appealing to a populace intent on disrupting traditional politics.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris, the current Vice President under President Biden, is making history as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the vice presidency. Before her vice-presidential role, Harris served as a U.S. senator and California's attorney general.
Kamala Harris is known for her progressive stances on issues like criminal justice reform, healthcare, and climate change. She represents the future of the Democratic republic.
3. What You Should Watch Out For
Following the trend on past debates, they tend to focus on the social and societal issues of the time, and this Harris vs Trump debate is expected to be no different.
Both candidates will likely address topics affecting Americans today such as:
- The Economy
Since inflation and economic instability being hot topics, expect both Trump and Harris to lay out their economic visions. Trump will likely lean on his record of deregulation and tax cuts, while Harris may push for more inclusive economic policies, including wealth distribution and tax reforms.
- Immigration
Immigration reform will be another hot topic. Trump’s border policies and his calls for stricter immigration control (which we witnessed during his tenure) will differ from Harris's more progressive perception on immigrant rights and border policy.
Bottom Line (What's At Stake)
The debate has the influence to change the political tides in support of or against any of the candidates.
However, one thing is certain: the whole world is watching Donald Trump’s attempt to revive his position as the president, and Harris is working to chart her own path to the presidency.