2024 presidential debates: date, candidates, and what you need to know

ABC's 2024 presidential debate logo
(Image credit: ABC)

With 2024 presidential election just a handful of weeks away, a presidential debate is going to allow voters the chance to hear the candidates present and discuss their proposals and candidacy for the top office in the US. We've got everything you need to know about how to watch the 2024 presidential debates right here.

There has already been one presidential debate for this election, and it had a monumental impact. Following a poor performance at the debate, President Joe Biden ultimately made the decision to not seek re-election, allowing for Vice President Kamala Harris to receive the Democratic nomination for president. She is taking on former President Donald Trump.

For more information on that and when, where and how you can watch the presidential debates, read on below.

2024 presidential debate date

Following the June 27 debate that took place between Trump and Biden, there is only one more presidential debate scheduled this election season. It will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.

A vice presidential debate has also been scheduled. That is set to take place on Tuesday, October 1.

2024 presidential debates candidates

When the first debate occurred in June, it was widely known but not official that Trump and Biden were going to be their parties' nominees, because neither of the Republican or Democratic National Conventions had taken place. As we all know, the field then changed with Biden dropping out of the race and Harris coming in as the new (and now official) Democratic nominee for president. Trump, as expected, was officially selected to be the Republican nominee for president.

Trump served as president from 2017-2020, so we've seen him in these debates through multiple elections. Harris' experience in these national debates comes from her campaign for president back in 2020 and then during a vice presidential debate after she was selected as Biden's running mate following him securing the nomination. So this will be the first time that Harris and Trump have shared the debate stage.

How to watch the 2024 presidential debates

ABC News is hosting the September 10 presidential debate, but it will be simulcasted on all of the main US broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC). You can also watch live coverage of the debate on cable news channels like CNN and Fox News. All of these are available through traditional pay-TV providers* or live TV streaming services.

The debate will also be available through streaming platforms, including Disney Plus, Hulu, Max and Paramount Plus.

*As of September 9, DirecTV and Disney are in a contract dispute that has pulled Disney-owned TV channels from DirecTV services. That includes ABC.

2024 presidential debates locations

The September 10 presidential debate is going to be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

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Michael Balderston

Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd.