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Update: The latest presidential debate and closing statements recently concluded around 10:45 p.m. ET. If you’ve only just missed it, the viewing options below will be continuing coverage with extensive commentary, interviews, and replays.
We’ve also been rounding up the biggest presidential debate highlights and takeaways. Amongst them, you’ll see responses on Trump’s crowd sizes, Trump’s rage outbursts, a closer look at Harris’ face game, and more. Plus, Taylor Swift endorses a candidate.
Original article follows….
It’s debate night in America, as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris meet face-to-face for the first time ever. There are multiple options available across cable and streaming (including free options), so settle in as we quickly run through how to watch the presidential debate of Trump vs. Harris from anywhere.
The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadephia, PA. ABC News has hosting duty and will be the main broadcaster of the event, although other networks will be able to simulcast coverage (more information on that can be found below). Longtime ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will serve as moderators for the event.
Trump previously participated in a debate with President Joe Biden on June 27, but Biden withdrew from the race in July and endorsed Harris. Tonight will be not just Harris and Trump’s first meeting during the election cycle but also their first-ever face-to-face interaction, as Dana Bash pointed out to Harris in her August CNN interview.
No matter where you’re tuning in from, we’ll show you how to watch tonight’s debate. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about tuning in.
How to watch the presidential debate in the US
There are tons of ways to watch the debate live in the US. If you don’t have cable or your cable package recently lost access to ABC, you can explore a live TV package like Sling TV or Fubo. Disney+ and Hulu, which typically only offer on-demand content, will also carry live streams of the ABC debate coverage. Additionally, viewers can access the debate and select ABC News coverage free via the live ABC News website. We’ll break down all of your best options below.
Sling TV and Fubo are great services to upgrade your live TV viewing options and watch the presidential debate. At $40 a month, Sling is among the cheaper of the live TV packages out there. Sling’s Blue plan carries ABC in select regions and over 40 other channels (including MSNBC and Fox News). While there’s no free trial, new customers can get their first month for half-off.
Sling TV Subscription
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you’re looking for. It’s more customizable than other plans, with three options you can choose from, so you pay for only what you need. New members get their first month for $25 off.
Fubo is an even more expansive cable alternative with broad ABC coverage and over 180 other channels. Subscriptions cost $79.99 a month, but first-time customers can get a one-week free trial tonight. Plus, your first month comes at a discounted rate of $49.99.
Fubo Pro Plan
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it’ll cost you extra.
As we mentioned above, Disney+ and Hulu will both show the debate. Each subscription starts at $7.99 a month, but you can combine the pair in an ad-supported bundle for $9.99. In addition to the free ABC News web option, most other major news networks will also broadcast the debate. CNN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS are among those scheduled to simulcast the debate, so if you have almost any top US streaming service (like Peacock, Paramount+, Max, or Prime Video), you will most likely have access to some form of debate coverage.
How to watch the presidential debate in Canada
The debate will be available to stream through CTV News Live in Canada. This is a free option, so viewers just need to go to the website at debate time, and they’ll be all set to start watching.
How to watch the presidential debate in the UK
The debate will be simulcast on BBC News and Channel 4 in the UK, so British viewers can expect to tune in on Wednesday, September 11, at 2 a.m. BST. British viewers can live stream these options for free with BBC iPlayer or Channel 4 accounts.
How to watch the presidential debate from anywhere
The free ABC News web option should be available in many regions, but if you’re away and find that you’re in a region that can’t access the stream, it might be time to try out a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are easy-to-use tech tools that allow people to temporarily change their device’s virtual location so that they can access their usual websites from anywhere (including the two free UK options mentioned earlier). They’re often used to boost online security and keep up with apps while traveling.
If you don’t already have a VPN, we recommend trying ExpressVPN. It’s a beginner-friendly option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can find additional details in our ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN Plan
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.
Where is the presidential debate?
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA, will serve as the stage for the presidential debate. Pennsylvania has routinely proven to be a critical swing state in election years, going red in 2016 and blue in 2020. It has proven just as important in 2024, and both candidates have made campaign stops in Pennsylvania over the past month.
What time is the presidential debate?
The Presidential Debate starts promptly at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Most networks, including host ABC, offer pre-debate coverage starting an hour before.
How long is the presidential debate?
Like the first presidential debate, tonight’s debate will last 90 minutes. The event will include two commercial breaks during which the two candidates cannot convene with their campaign staff.
When is the vice presidential debate?
The vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The debate will air on CBS.
Will there be another presidential debate?
The short answer is maybe. As of right now, there is no definitively scheduled second debate between Trump and Harris, but that doesn’t mean that another debate won’t be added this fall. The Trump and Biden campaigns initially agreed to two debates, the first on CNN on June 27 and the second on ABC on September 10. According to CNBC in August, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign said that there would be another opportunity to see Harris and Trump on the debate stage in October, although no further details have emerged yet, and it is unclear whether an additional debate will come to fruition.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.