A lot has changed since Donald Trump and Joe Biden met in June for the first debate of the 2024 election campaign. Biden is, of course, no longer in the race – and Trump is now neck and neck with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, according to many polls.
So there will be more at stake when the candidates face off in a one-on-one matchup on Monday night – and a strong or weak performance could have a big impact on the November election.
Do you have questions about the debate? We have answers.
When will the first debate between Harris and Trump take place?
The debate will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Who will moderate the Harris-Trump debate?
ABC will moderate the debate and broadcast it simultaneously online.
How long will the Harris-Trump debate last?
The debate is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
Can I see this? Harris and Trump discuss for free if I don’t have a cable?
Yes, no problem. ABC is hosting the debate—and all four networks plan to broadcast it live, as does PBS. Aerial reception requires an antenna, and you should test that equipment in several places around your home to find the most reliable signal.
How can I stream the Harris-Trump debate online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
If you don’t have an antenna, ABC is streaming the debate on many online platforms, including the ABC News website, as well as other Disney platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu. (Other networks are likely carrying the ABC stream on their website as well.)
Other options include:
Disney+
The Disney bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month without ads on Hulu).
If you add live TV, which you need to watch the debate, to the package, the price rises to $77 per month ($90 without ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial version of this service is also no longer offered. It now costs $77 per month.
Max
The former HBO Max network, which is part of CNN’s parent company, will broadcast the debate live. Subscriptions start at $10 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a trial period of up to two weeks, monthly fees of $73 apply.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling “Orange” plan costs $40 per month. If you add the more comprehensive “Blue” plan, the cost rises to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has been eliminated, but the cable TV service is offering 50% off the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service costs $80 and up per month after the free trial.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cable TV service offers TV channels in most markets. There is a seven-day free trial, after which there are monthly fees of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
What are the rules for this presidential debate?
The candidates repeatedly debated the rules for this debate. The Harris team wanted the microphones to remain on the entire time, while the Trump team wanted them to only be turned on for the candidate whose turn it was to speak. In the end, the Harris team agreed to the rule to mute the microphones, but said it would protect Trump from direct conversations with the vice president.
There will be no live audience for this debate, and candidates will not make opening statements, and only moderators can ask questions. There will also be two commercial breaks, but candidates will not be allowed to consult with their staff during these breaks.
Who will moderate the Harris-Trump debate?
ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate today’s debate.
When is the next presidential debate?
That’s still an unknown. While the Harris team said in August that both teams had agreed to three debates before Election Day, the Trump team has not confirmed that. There are currently no further debates planned between Harris and Trump.
Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz will face off in a debate hosted by CBS on October 1.
