Trump-Harris Debate: How Democrats View the Stakes

In a few hours, millions of Americans will watch in real time as Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump meet for the first time tonight on the debate stage in Philadelphia. The 9 p.m. debate will be hosted by ABC News and will have the same rules as CNN’s Biden versus Trump matchup in June — no live audience and muted mics when candidates do not have the floor.

National Review caught up with several Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill this afternoon to pick their brains about the stakes of tonight’s event and what Harris needs to do to have a successful night. Here are some takeaways.

About the Author

Audrey Fahlberg

Audrey Fahlberg was a politics reporter for National Review.

Featured Tags

In a few hours, millions of Americans will watch in real time as Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump meet for the first time tonight on the debate stage in Philadelphia. The 9 p.m. debate will be hosted by ABC News and will have the same rules as CNN’s Biden versus Trump matchup in June — no live audience and muted mics when candidates do not have the floor.

National Review caught up with several Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill this afternoon to pick their brains about the stakes of tonight’s event and what Harris needs to do to have a successful night. Here are some takeaways.