Kamala Harris v. Donald Trump (Live Updates)

Roomies, the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is goin’ down TONIGHT. Now, The Shade Room is running down everything you need to know ahead of the debate — and we’re also bringing you live updates.

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Presidential Debate: When & Where Is It Being Held?

According to WESH, the much anticipated “high-pressure” event will kick off tonight at 9 p.m. VP Harris and former President Trump will reportedly meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the National Constitution Center. Additionally, their debate will reportedly last 90 minutes, per CBS News.

What Can Viewers Expect, And What Will Be Discussed?

Neither Harris nor Trump will be allowed to “bring props or prewritten notes on stage.” Furthermore, there will not be a live audience present, similar to when President Biden and Trump debated in June.

According to ABC — the network hosting the debate — neither candidate will receive “topics or questions” ahead of the discussion. Both Harris and Trump will be given two minutes to answer questions and share rebuttals and “one extra minute for follow-ups, clarifications, or responses.”

Furthermore, both candidates’ microphones will only be on when it is their time to speak.

How Can You Tune In?

Per CBS News, the pair’s debate could reportedly be their only one before the November election. Viewers can tune in via the ABC network, and additional streaming platforms will also be sharing the broadcast live. According to the outlet, this includes: ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, CBS News 24/7, and Paramount+.

What Are Political Experts Saying Ahead Of The Presidential Debate? How Is VP Kamala Harris And Donald Trump Doing?

According to WESH, some political experts believe the occasion could be helpful to the Democratic party. Ari Fleischer, a Republican communications strategist and former press secretary to President George W. Bush, reportedly told the outlet:

“If she performs great, it’s going to be a nice surprise for the Democrats, and they’ll rejoice,” Fleischer explained. “If she flops, like Joe Biden did, it could break this race wide open. So there’s more riding on it.”

Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Danielle Alvarez, has said the stakes are “high.”

“The bar is very high. We know that she’s [Harris] going to be a good debater. The president is going to take on her record as a prosecutor, but the bar is high for her because it’s a truncated campaign,” Alvarez explained.

Nonetheless, the outlet reports that Trump is in “good spirits,” while VP Harris appears “calm, cool and collected,” — so much so that on the morning of September 10, she even released an ad seemingly trolling Trump.

Furthermore, Newsweek adds that President Biden has shared how he feels VP Harris will perform tonight.

“I think she’s going to do great,” the president reportedly told the press. “I’m not going to tell you what advice I gave her.”

Meanwhile, Melania Trump has even released a video statement just moments before the debate, seemingly showing her support for her husband. In the video, Melania explained that the July 13 assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life was a “horrible” experience and she believes the “silence around it feels heavy.”

In the video, Melania stares into the camera with a firm expression and asserts that more information needs to be “uncovered” about how government officials handled the event.

Live Updates: The Debate Kicks Off With Discussion About The Economy

VP Harris and Trump took the stage, Harris entering from the right while Trump entered from the left. The pair — who have never previously met — shared a handshake before beginning the debate.

VP Harris and Trump were then presented with the question, “When it comes to the economy, do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?”

In response, VP Harris seemingly acknowledged the unfavorable state of the economy and referenced her vows to provide families with $6,000 tax cuts. While speaking, VP Harris even referenced the former President’s prior term, noting that he initiated the “worst attack on our democracy.”

“Donald Trump has no plan for you,” Harris stated, seemingly speaking to American viewers.

In response, Trump alleged that VP Harris does not have a plan to better the economy.

The Conversation Continues With Discussion About Abortion

As the debate continued, Trump was asked to share why he believes voters should “trust” his stance on abortion. In response, Trump explained that the issue of abortion has “torn the country apart for 52 years.”

Additionally, he alleged that “all” politicians wanted the issue of abortion rights to be left in the jurisdiction of the states rather than the federal government.

Meanwhile, VP Harris explained that “in over 20 states that are Trump abortion bans” which “make no exceptions for rape or incest.” Furthermore, the vice president alleged that those who violate abortion restrictions could even be punished legally and receive jail time.

“You talk about this is what people wanted?!” Harris said emphatically. “…a 12 or 13-year-old survivor of incest being required to carry a pregnancy to term? They don’t want that!”

Furthermore, VP Harris alleged that Donald Trump would even go so far as to implement a national abortion ban. Meanwhile, she would prefer to reinstate the original abortion jurisdiction determined under the 1973 passage of Roe v. Wade.

“The people of America voted for freedom,” Harris asserted.

RELATED: President Biden Discusses The Threat To Democracy, Roe v. Wade, And More During His State Of The Union Address (Videos)

VP Kamala Harris & Donald Trump Discuss Immigration

As the debate discussion shifted to immigration and the security of the border, VP Harris explained that she has worked diligently to advocate for legislation to address the issues of human trafficking, the rise of fentanyl, and the security of the border.

Instead of the legislation being passed, VP Harris alleged that Trump negatively impacted the legislation, preventing it from being passed.

As for Trump, the former president detailed the presence of “millions of criminals” and “terrorists” in the United States, allegedly due to the Biden-Harris campaign.

“Millions of people let in and all over the world, crime is down — except here,” Trump asserted.

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