Trump and Harris gearing up for crucial presidential debate: Live updates

The rules being followed tonight are largely standard for American presidential debates, although the originally agreed regulations could theoretically put Kamala Harris at a slight disadvantage, given that she has a different skill set from that of Joe Biden, on whose behalf they were originally settled.

Here’s Ariana Baio’s report on the rules for today’s debate and who stands to benefit.

Tonight’s showdown will, of course, be broadcast live on ABC but also simulcast on a number of other US networks, including C-Span, PBS, MSNBC and Fox News, and streamed online via ABC’s website and YouTube channel and via Disney+ and Hulu.

If you’re interested in staying up to see it in Britain, Channel 4 has you covered – although obviously you should follow along with our coverage right here for all the best commentary and latest developments.

The Trump v Harris debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 9pm ET, which is 8pm CT and 6pm PT.

That’s 2am in the UK so get comfortable.

Tonight’s showdown will be refereed by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.

They have said they will not share the questions or topics up for discussion with the candidates in advance of Tuesday’s broadcast.

The Republican presidential nominee will seek to associate his Democratic rival with the perceived policy failings of Joe Biden’s administration, hoping to blame her for illegal immigration at America’s southern border and for the high cost of living as the US economy continues its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

For her part, Vice President Harris, a veteran prosecutor and former California attorney general, will hope to draw attention to Trump’s disastrous record in office, culpability for inspiring the Capitol riot of January 6 2021 and long history of lawlessness, dishonesty and dysfunction.

After much toing and froing, the two candidates have agreed to the same set of rules for tonight’s encounter on ABC News that Trump and President Biden used during the first debate back on June 27, which ultimately spelled the end for the commander-in-chief’s pursuit of a second term.

That means muted microphones, no pre-written notes, no live audience, no sitting and no speaking with campaign staff during commercial breaks.

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of all the build-up to Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’s first (and perhaps only) presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, which promises to be a defining moment in the race for the White House.