Americans are preparing Tuesday to watch the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows that 7 in 10 Americans plan to tune in, with 30% saying the debate could influence their vote.
According to some polls, Trump leads in key areas such as the economy, immigration, and Middle East policy, attracting voters who prioritize strong leadership. However, Harris holds advantages in areas like compassion, honesty, and her stance on abortion rights, where she has a clear edge over Trump. The Harris campaign positions these strengths as key talking points heading into the debate.
In a significant push to engage voters, Harris’ campaign has organized over 1,300 watch parties nationwide, with more than 100 on college campuses. More than 300 of these events are aimed at key voter groups, including Republicans for Harris-Walz, Veterans for Harris-Walz, and Latino communities. The campaign hopes to turn Tuesday night’s event into a mobilizing opportunity, encouraging attendees to use Reach’s digital organizing tool to connect with voters in battleground states.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, will attend a watch party in Phoenix, Arizona, while Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz will be at a gathering in La Crosse, Wisconsin. These events aim to energize support in key swing states as the election draws nearer.
David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC will moderate the 90-minute discussion at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It begins at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) and will be broadcast on ABC, with a simulcast on CBS. Viewers can also stream the debate on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Both campaigns have agreed to the debate format, including muted microphones while each candidate speaks.
Earlier Tuesday, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) released their 11th Annual BWR Report, titled “Owning Our Power in 2024: Now is the Time to Participate, Protect, Preserve & Promote.” The report outlines key issues for Black women in the 2024 election, including voting rights, healthcare disparities, economic equity, and social justice.
National Black women leaders, including Melanie L. Campbell, president of the NCBCP, convened to discuss the report’s findings. The findings emphasize the influence of Black women voters in shaping public policy, driving voter turnout, and advancing civil rights, particularly in swing states. Leaders such as Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever and Zakiya Thomas highlighted how Black women continue to advocate for racial and gender justice while working to preserve Black history and culture.
Both candidates are gearing up for Tuesday night’s debate, which could prove pivotal as they seek to secure voter support in the election’s final weeks.