Trump Harris Debate: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off tonight in their first — and possibly only — debate before the November election.

The debate, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, comes as both candidates seek to define their platforms and win over undecided voters. Meanwhile, Polymarket has forecasted a 78% chance that Trump will remain ahead in the race following the event.

Trump Harris Debate Format and Rules

According to a WSJ report, some of the rules to be met at the Trump Harris debate include the 90-minute format used in the June debate between the former president and President Joe Biden. Moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News will guide the debate, with each candidate having two minutes to answer questions and two minutes for rebuttals. An additional minute will be available for follow-ups or clarifications. There will be no formal opening statements, and the debate will end with two-minute closing statements from each candidate.

A notable feature of the debate is the use of muted microphones. Candidates’ mics will be switched off when it is not their turn to speak, a rule the Harris campaign initially pushed against but ultimately accepted. Both candidates will have to navigate these rules carefully, as Trump’s campaign sought to avoid the pitfalls of unguarded remarks during another candidate’s speaking time.

Trump, who won a virtual coin toss held earlier, will deliver the final closing statement. The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia with no live audience in attendance.

Key Issues for Harris and Trump

For Vice president Kamala Harris, who entered the presidential race only seven weeks ago, this debate is critical to defining her platform and reaching out to key voter groups. Known for her experience as a prosecutor, she is expected to focus on dissecting the former President’s policies and rebutting his claims with precision.

At the Trump Harris debate, her team anticipates that she will be more direct and forceful in her responses compared to President Biden during his debate with Trump earlier this year.

Donald Trump, meanwhile, has faced a challenging summer on the campaign trail and needs a solid performance to regain momentum. His strategy will likely involve appealing to women voters, a demographic where the gap between him and Harris is growing. Staying on message and avoiding controversial remarks will be crucial for the former US president as he seeks to sway undecided voters and reassure his base.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Asset Policies

Concurrently, there is speculation that cryptocurrency and digital asset regulation may emerge as a topic during tonight’s debate. According to data from the Gemini Exchange, 73% of U.S. crypto holders consider a candidate’s stance on digital assets when deciding how to vote.

Trump has been more vocal on cryptocurrency in the past, with his family even launching a crypto-related project. On the other hand, Harris has yet to take a strong position on the issue, although there has been increasing consideration of crypto within her campaign.

Odds suggest there is an 18% chance that Trump may discuss cryptocurrency, while Harris is less likely to bring it up, with a 10% chance. Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, noted that while Vice president Kamala Harris has shown more openness to discussing cryptocurrency compared to Biden, there is still a notable gap between her stance and Trump’s more favorable position on the issue.

Despite this, tonight’s Trump Harris debate could be a turning point in the race, especially with both candidates looking to capitalize on the momentum it generates. With Polymarket odds suggesting an 78% chance, an 8% surge, that Trump remains the favorite after the debate, the outcome could shape the trajectory of both campaigns heading into the final weeks before the election.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

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