Tonight, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will face off in a highly anticipated presidential debate. However, last-minute changes to the debate rules have caused a bit of a scramble, especially for Harris’ team. This article discusses the rules they’ll have to follow and the challenges that may arise from these changes, including a crucial debate strategy shift.
The Strict Debate Rules
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will have to follow a set of six strict guidelines during tonight’s debate. These rules are designed to ensure a fair and orderly event, but one change in particular has caused concern for Harris’ team.
- No Live Audience: The debate will be held without a live audience, which means there won’t be any cheers or boos from the crowd during the discussion.
- No Opening Statements: Unlike in past debates, neither candidate will give opening remarks. This change is intended to keep the debate focused and avoid unnecessary talking points.
- Muted Microphones: A key rule change involves muting the candidates’ microphones when they are not speaking. This is to prevent interruptions, which may affect the debate dynamic. Harris’ team had hoped the microphones would stay on, allowing her to question Trump directly during his speaking time.
These new rules have forced Harris’ team to reconsider their strategy for the debate, especially since Harris had planned to fact-check and challenge Trump while he spoke.
Debate Format and Structure
The debate will be held at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, starting at 9 PM ET. It will last for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. There will be no direct questioning between the candidates; only moderators will ask questions.
Each candidate will have:
- Two minutes to answer a question
- Two minutes for a rebuttal
- One minute for follow-up clarification
At the end of the debate, each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements. A crucial rule is that both candidates must remain standing behind their lecterns throughout the debate, a change introduced after Donald Trump’s actions during the 2016 debates.
Changes to Debate Rules and Strategy
Harris and her campaign team were already familiar with the debate rules, but they hoped that the microphone muting rule might be changed before the event. This change affects Harris’ ability to use her experience as a prosecutor to challenge Trump directly.
The rule change means Harris will need to adapt her strategy to focus on using her two-minute speaking windows more effectively. Some Democratic strategists feel that the rules were designed for Biden’s campaign in 2020, but now they’re stuck with them.
Despite this, some strategists argue that these rules could also hinder Trump’s ability to interrupt or avoid difficult questions.
Key Debate Insights
Moe Vela, former senior adviser to Joe Biden, gave some advice to Kamala Harris. He suggested that she needs to remain calm, stay on message, and not let Trump’s attacks distract her. Vela warned that Trump should not underestimate Harris’ ability to handle the debate, as she has gained experience and confidence since her first debate appearance.
Closing Thoughts
While the rules have certainly impacted Harris’ campaign strategy, the debate tonight will still be a crucial moment in the race for the presidency. Both candidates will need to remain sharp and focused, as the debate could influence voters across the country.
FAQs
1. Why were the debate rules changed?
The rules were changed to ensure fairness and prevent interruptions. The candidates’ microphones will be muted when they are not speaking to maintain order.
2. Will there be an audience at the debate?
No, the debate will be held without a live audience, which will help prevent distractions during the event.
3. How long will the debate last?
The debate will last for 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks.
4. Who will be asking the questions during the debate?
The moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis from ABC News, will ask the questions. The candidates won’t be able to ask each other questions.
5. What are the closing statements in the debate?
Each candidate will have two minutes at the end of the debate to deliver a closing statement.
