On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will engage in what is anticipated to be their sole presidential debate, a pivotal event that carries significant implications for both candidates. This debate is expected to attract millions of viewers across the nation, including a crucial segment of undecided voters whose choices could be influenced by the discourse. Harris, who has experienced a remarkable ascent as the Democratic nominee, now finds her momentum waning. This head-to-head confrontation presents a critical chance for her to rejuvenate her campaign by effectively articulating her vision and positioning Trump as unsuitable for another presidential term.

In contrast, Trump faces the challenge of formulating a consistent and impactful strategy to counter his new rival. Despite this difficulty, he remains a formidable contender, bolstered by a steadfast base of supporters and a significant portion of the electorate that has already formed strong opinions about him. The upcoming debate serves as a vital platform for Trump to reinforce his existing support while simultaneously attempting to undermine Harris's image among voters who may not yet have a definitive stance on her candidacy. The stakes are high for both candidates, as the outcome of this debate could significantly shape the trajectory of the election.

The ABC News debate, overseen by moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, at 9 p.m. ET. Prior to the debate, a special pre-debate program will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET. The event will be available on ABC and can be streamed via ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Additionally, viewers have the option to stream the debate through the ABC app on smartphones or tablets, as well as on ABC.com and other connected devices.

Here are five things to watch at Today's debate.

Can Trump stay focused on policy?

Donald Trump has strategically sought to label Kamala Harris as a representative of "California liberalism," allowing the prevailing perceptions of the state’s progressive reputation to shape the narrative around her candidacy. By emphasizing her previous roles as the state's attorney general and junior senator, he aims to create an image of a candidate closely aligned with the liberal policies that many voters associate with California. Additionally, Trump has focused on critical voter issues such as immigration and inflation, areas where polling indicates he may have a competitive advantage, thereby attempting to position himself as a more favorable option in the eyes of the electorate.

Nevertheless, Trump has occasionally strayed into personal attacks, including unfounded inquiries regarding Harris' racial background, despite her being of Black and South Asian descent. He has also made claims about his own physical appearance being superior and has propagated crude and misleading allegations suggesting that Harris' past romantic relationships were instrumental in advancing her political career. Such personal remarks not only detract from substantive policy discussions but also risk alienating voters who may prefer a more issue-focused campaign.

According to allies who spoke to ABC News, maintaining a consistent message centered on his economic record over the past four years is crucial for Trump. This record includes a period of low inflation prior to the pandemic and a decrease in unauthorized border crossings, which they believe are favorable topics for discussion. They caution that engaging in personal attacks could be detrimental, as it would shift media focus away from what they consider advantageous policy discussions. Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer noted that while Trump effectively contrasts himself with his opponents, he sometimes diverges into areas that provide the media with alternative narratives, which could undermine his campaign's objectives.

It is essential for him to refrain from generating a situation that diverts attention from her achievements. Consequently, discussions centered on her character or looks, rather than her accomplishments, will shift the narrative of public discourse the following day.

How does Harris introduce herself to undecided voters?

Donald Trump enters the political arena with a level of name recognition that is nearly unparalleled, as evidenced by a recent New York Times/Siena College poll indicating that 28% of likely voters feel they require further information about Kamala Harris. This statistic highlights a significant contrast between the two candidates; while many voters are familiar with Harris, she remains less defined in their perceptions compared to Trump. Consequently, Harris faces the challenge of establishing her identity and narrative in the political landscape, as failing to do so may result in her being characterized by her opponent's framing rather than her own.

In the upcoming debate, Harris has set dual objectives: to present herself as a viable presidential candidate and to provoke a reaction from Trump that undermines his credibility for a second term. Bakari Sellers, a notable supporter of Harris and a Democratic media strategist, emphasized the importance of a strategic approach that combines vigorous criticism of Trump with a clear articulation of her vision for the future. This dual strategy aims not only to highlight her qualifications but also to position her as a formidable contender against Trump, thereby reshaping the narrative surrounding both candidates.

Throughout her campaign, Harris has actively sought to achieve these objectives. Recently, she expanded her policy proposals on her campaign website, providing a comprehensive overview of her platform. In her early campaign speeches, she has drawn upon her experience as a prosecutor and state attorney general, emphasizing her commitment to combating crime and her understanding of the challenges posed by figures like Trump, particularly in light of his legal issues. The manner in which she navigates these dual responsibilities may reveal insights into her campaign's strategy and the path they believe will lead to success in the upcoming election.

Will there be any hot mics?

In the 2020 debate, Kamala Harris delivered a striking performance as she confronted then-Vice President Mike Pence. During the exchange, Pence attempted to dominate the conversation by interjecting while she was responding, which led to one of the evening's most memorable moments when Harris firmly asserted, "I'm speaking." This particular instance resonated widely, becoming a viral highlight of the debate and showcasing her ability to maintain composure and assertiveness under pressure.

As the upcoming debate approaches, it remains uncertain whether Harris can recreate a similar impactful moment. The format will feature muted microphones for candidates while their opponents respond to questions, a strategy that Harris' team opposed, believing it could provoke Trump into making aggressive interruptions that would ultimately reflect poorly on him. In a political landscape where personal dynamics often overshadow substantive policy discussions, such an encounter could potentially lead to one of the most significant highlights of the debate, capturing the attention of the electorate and shaping public perception.

How big of a role will President Joe Biden play?

Since the inception of her campaign, Harris has been navigating a delicate balance between acknowledging her involvement in the Biden administration and promoting its accomplishments, while simultaneously establishing her own identity as a candidate. This challenge has been particularly pronounced given the unconventional circumstances surrounding her nomination as the representative of her party, which has necessitated a careful approach to her public persona and messaging.

Recent polling data from a New York Times/Siena College survey indicates that approximately 61% of likely voters believe the next presidential candidate should embody a significant departure from Biden's policies. Among these voters, only 25% view Harris as that transformative figure, in stark contrast to the 53% who believe Trump fulfills this role. Throughout her campaign, Harris has primarily appeared solo on the trail, and during a recent joint event in Pittsburgh, Biden's decision to speak before her highlighted her emerging prominence in the electoral landscape.

Trump has occasionally concentrated heavily on Biden, especially following the president's campaign suspension and the subsequent leadership transition to Harris.

This approach may inadvertently shift attention away from Trump's actual rival; however, supporters argue that linking Harris to public dissatisfaction regarding the president's management of the economy and inflation could prove advantageous.

A former campaign aide connected with Trump's current team remarked that for Trump to be perceived as having a successful debate, he must persist in this line of attack, emphasizing that Harris is the vice president of the United States campaigning for Biden's second term, which presents an opportunity to make that argument.

Is there a major moment that moves the electoral needle?

 The most recent debate between Biden and Trump was undoubtedly significant, culminating in the conclusion of Biden's campaign. However, it remains uncertain whether the upcoming debate on Tuesday will have a similar level of impact. While it is anticipated that millions will tune in to witness this latest chapter in a race characterized by its unpredictable developments, the reality is that many debates often result in minimal effects on the overall trajectory of presidential campaigns. This scenario could potentially disadvantage both candidates, as the stakes continue to rise in an already competitive environment.

Currently, the race is extremely close, with both candidates vying for an opportunity to shift the momentum in their favor. Vice President Harris is seeking a pivotal moment that could reignite the energy that initially propelled her into the spotlight, yet her progress appears to have stagnated. On the other hand, Trump is aiming for a breakthrough that would not only diminish Harris's recent advancements but also actively reverse her improved standing in the polls. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the candidates to seize this opportunity and make a significant impact during the debate.

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