Between kamala harris and donald trump — here in the battleground state of pennsylvania. The rivals will go head to head to win the white house in what many experts say will undoubtedly be a close race. The debate will be 90 minutes long with two commerical breaks here in philadelphia at the national constitution center. The us network abc news is hosting the debate. There will be no audience in attendance, and the candidates�* microphones will be muted when they are not speaking. It comes at a pivotal moment in the campaign, with both harris and trump aiming to win over undecided voters in key swing states. Joining me now is our north america correspondent gary o'donoghue from the spin room floor. Gary, i know the action is picking up there, tell us what you've been hearing from some of the surrogates for both campaigns. figs of the surrogates for both campaigns_ of the surrogates for both camaians. A. , ,. Campaigns. As you would expect, some of the _ campaigns. As you would expect, some of the supporters _ campaigns. As you would expect, some of the supporters of campaigns. As you would expect, some of the supporters of each. Some of the supporters of each side have been out trying to pre—bake this debate, trying to set expectations, trying to put pressure on the other side. We've already had, well, for there is pretty represented, both republican senators have been wandering around here earlier, we have also seen doug burgum, the governorfrom north dakota, who was a candidate of course in the republican primary, out nothing for donald trump, and some democrats as well doing the same sort of thing. So this is in many ways about what happens on that debate stage, of course, there's viral moments, those clashes, those stumbles all those kinds of things will matter hugely. But also its about the narrative that's created and formed while the thing is happening outside the debate centre, and on social media and elsewhere, afterwards. It's important really to push hard by these people, by these surrogates to try and form that narrative. And don't underestimate tonight. Tonight is potentially a pivotal moment in this presidential campaign stop kamala harris, yes, because she has been riding away sincejoe biden is to decide, yes she has raised stack loads of money, created a lot of enthusiasm, but as she is still largely untested in a campaign setting like this, now labor day is behind us, things get incredibly intense, this is one of those moments where tens of millions of americans will get to see herfor an millions of americans will get to see her for an extended period of time, asking difficult and answering difficult and answering difficult questions. They know what they are going to get the donald trump, they will get a mixture of policy, claims about his own presidency, maybe even some personal stuff about kamala harris. But a lot of the poles are telling us that people just don't know who she is and what she stands for, and tonight is the opportunity to change that. Gary, just one more quick question, what are you hearing about strategies for both campaigns heading into this debatejust an hour away? yes. Debate 'ust an hour away? yes, the debate just an hour away? yes, the strategies _ debate just an hour away? yes, the strategies from _ debate just an hour away? yes, the strategies from all debate just an hour away? yes, the strategies from all the the strategies from all the trouble advisers has been pretty consistent, which is talk about the issues, stay away from the personal stuff. —— the trump advisers. You don't need to do that, it turns people off. When i asked senator rick scott whether donald trump should stay away from the personal stuff he said, yes, focus on the issues he said, donald trump is donald trump so there is certain fatalism among his supporters about whether or not he will do that. We know he doesn't do proper debate preparation, not in the traditional manner, so they will all be holding their breath about which donald trump turns up tonight. — turns up tonight. Gary, great to seak turns up tonight. Gary, great to speak to _ turns up tonight. Gary, great to speak to you, _ turns up tonight. Gary, great to speak to you, we turns up tonight. Gary, great to speak to you, we will turns up tonight. Gary, great| to speak to you, we will come back to you through the course of the evening, thank you so much. Gary mentioned north dakota governor doug burgum. Governor burgum ran for the republican presidential nomination, ending his campaign in december 2023. He is with us now. Great to have you with this, thank you forjoining us on bbc news. Good evening, thanks to having the. . ,. , good evening, thanks to having the. . ,. ,. The. Have you been in touch with the _ the. Have you been in touch with the president the. Have you been in touch with the president for the. Have you been in touch with the president for the i the. Have you been in touch l with the president for the last few days, as he has been making the final preparations, what is yoursense the final preparations, what is your sense of how he is approaching this? we were communicating _ approaching this? we were communicating this approaching this? we were i communicating this morning, very spears, of course his last debate was fantastic. He will take the momentum to tonight what's take the momentum to tonight what'. ,. , ,. , what's what does he need to achieve on — what's what does he need to achieve on stage? _ what's what does he need to achieve on stage? i what's what does he need to achieve on stage? i think what's what does he need to | achieve on stage? i think the key thing _ achieve on stage? i think the key thing is _ achieve on stage? i think the key thing is driving _ achieve on stage? i think the key thing is driving through l key thing is driving through our policies and trying to cut through the clutter of misinformation that the harris campaign is throwing up at him, because he is very clear, whether it is a strong borders, whether it is a strong borders, whether it is ending the wars overseas whether it is reducing inflation, reducing interest rates, restoring the american dream, making our cities safer again, he's got a set of policies that left us, whether you are a republican, democrat, an independent, these are good for everybody and everybody benefited last time he was president when we saw household income is growing, we saw peace abroad, we saw prosperity at home so he has got a great set of policies and he has a great track record that he can deliver again. — track record that he can deliver aaain. . ,. . , ~ deliver again. You have talked a lot about — deliver again. You have talked a lot about the _ deliver again. You have talked a lot about the economic a lot about the economic policies, we have viewers around the world and across the country and we have seen some wall street forecasters are saying that some of the economic policies, it could start a new set of trade wars and raise prices for consumers, are you worried about the impact on your state of north dakota for example? hat impact on your state of north dakota for example? impact on your state of north dakota for example? not at all and art dakota for example? not at all and part of— dakota for example? not at all and part of it — dakota for example? not at all and part of it is _ dakota for example? not at all and part of it is understanding | and part of it is understanding how president trump feels about tariffs, and he didn't use tariffs, and he didn't use tariffs cheekily against china when he was in office last time but he did that without really causing any problems because we had very low inflation, almost no inflation during his time and he's got a simple possible which is that some of the country will put 100% tariff on us goods, then we have none of them, what he wants is a level playing field for both our trading partners, our allies and prevalence of somebody has and prevalence of somebody has a 100% tariff on us, he will put one on them and if they drop it, he will drop hours. He is interested in parity and he understands this is a negotiating tool and he also understands that in some cases, particularly around energy, it is a way to actually stop wars. Right now we are helping to fund wars around the world with biden, of the energy policies that support iran and russia. I want to ask you, about the style and tenor of the debate tonight because it is almost as important as policy and there are some concerns that donald trump might not focus enough on policy, you might veer into personal attacks. Are you worried that might happen? i think the tone and tenor can go both ways. Paris has talked about but she is a former prosecutor, we know that prosecutors perform when they are in court, they memorised their closing arguments, we know they practise their attack lines. �* ,. ,. , know they practise their attack lines. �*. ,. Lines. Are you worried about talk about — lines. Are you worried about talk about her _ lines. Are you worried about talk about her racial lines. Are you worried about | talk about her racial identity, things like that? pare talk about her racial identity, things like that?— things like that? are not worried about _ things like that? are not worried about that things like that? are not i worried about that because things like that? are not worried about that because i think trump when he is talking about the issues, that's when he is winning and i think knows what it takes to win tonight. But it will be interesting to see how much if any of those conversations get started by the former prosecutor from san francisco because sometimes that's what people want, they don't want to real discussion on the issues, they want a controversy. I think the harris campaign thinks that is a benefit for them if dan —— and if i created so i think we will see a lot of poking at the bear, whether it is from the moderators or whether it is from paris. President trump is confident, but who know him know that he cares deeply about the american working families and his policies are good for all americans undertake we are going, he is going to win over some photos tonight. Governor, aood to some photos tonight. Governor, good to have — some photos tonight. Governor, good to have you _ some photos tonight. Governor, good to have you on _ some photos tonight. Governor, good to have you on bbc some photos tonight. Governor, good to have you on bbc news, | good to have you on bbc news, looking forward to seeing your reaction after the debate as well. Thank you. Earlier karoline leavitt, the trump campaign national press secretary, was asked about mr trump calling the state of the economy and immigration failures on the biden administration and why she thinks voters believe kamala harris is responsible for that. Because it's the biden—harris administration. They don't actually make policy filter they share response ability because kamala harris herself, don't take it from us, kamala harris said she was a proud supporter of baidu nomics, she said it is working, her words, not mine, and it is not working, it is robbing hard—working people of ha rd—working people of thousands hard—working people of thousands of dollars every month, just to have the same quality of life as they did under president trump. She said she was proud to be the last person in the room withjoe biden when they announced their plan to withdraw from afghanistan which we know was a disaster and kamala harris was tapped byjoe biden to be the border tsar and to oversee the crisis at our southern border and it has got much worse since she has been at the white house. �*. , she has been at the white house. �*. , ,. , house. And that message is one we have heard _ house. And that message is one we have heard in _ house. And that message is one we have heard in the _ house. And that message is one we have heard in the trump we have heard in the trump campaign around the last few days. They are looking to pin the biden—harris administration's on double failures on the vice president. Joining me now is democratic governor of new mexico, michelle lujan grisham. I want to start with looking ahead to tonight in what you think is important for kamala harris to achieve onstage. I5 harris to achieve onstage. I3 relief providing that vision for the future. I'm a grandmother of three and people want to know, where is the country going? what that future, the want to talk about what it's like at the kitchen table. She has a chance now to introduce herself to america in a much more specific way, frankly, than this interview. She has that chance to do that to the rest of the world. I think it's a very powerful moment tonight. Taste think it's a very powerful moment tonight. Think it's a very powerful moment toniaht. ~ ,. , moment tonight. We 'ust saw a cli from moment tonight. We 'ust saw a clip from a h moment tonight. We 'ust saw a clip from a trump _ moment tonight. We just saw a clip from a trump vein clip from a trump vein spokesperson, that kamala harris is responsible for some of the biggest issues facing the country right now. For the crisis at the border and for the high prices of groceries and gas and so on, what's your response to that?— response to that? that's what the are response to that? that's what they are saying _ response to that? that's what they are saying because response to that? that's what they are saying because theyl they are saying because they have no plan for the future and they have no vision for america except pot was in congress when trump killed the bipartisan emigrant deal, not his first rodeo on that at all. He has no interest in doing what's right and securing the border and providing legal pathways to citizenship, that is in our constitution. He wants to avoid that aspect. And a lot of these kitchen table issues which this debate is going to really show a clear choice between these two candidates, that is what is affordable housing, better wages, texaco has benefited by the fact we have the highest wage growth in america. This guy wants to make it $4000 more expensive. And for latina families in particular we are talking about at least 1500 more health care costs. Want to ask, if more health care costs. Want to ask. If you _ more health care costs. Want to ask, if you look _ more health care costs. Want to ask, if you look at _ more health care costs. Want to ask, if you look at the _ more health care costs. Want to ask, if you look at the latest ask, if you look at the latest polling, it does say quite clearly that voters seem to trust donald trump more than kamala harris on two of those three issues, the economy and immigration. So does kamala harris have her work cut out? i really appreciate the question. Whether she has her work cut out, but this is what people are thinking, he has created fear, this is a guy who wants to create concentration camps, do mass deportations. Are folks paying enough attention to the kind of tactics he is interested in deploying in the united states? they need to pay attention to these issues, and yes, they should expect that the vice president is going to give them a clear vision for the future, and clear actions about the things that we can do, including he willsign about the things that we can do, including he will sign a bipartisan immigration bill, and i want that, i need border patrol agents. — patrol agents. One question before we — patrol agents. One question before we let _ patrol agents. One question before we let you _ patrol agents. One question before we let you go. Patrol agents. One question before we let you go. If patrol agents. One question before we let you go. If you | before we let you go. If you look at the fact that the majority of people really don't know who kamala harris is and what she stands for, do you think by the end of the night there will be more clear to those watching who the persuadable voters? i do, because _ persuadable voters? i do, because they _ persuadable voters? i do, because they are persuadable voters? i do, because they are paying l because they are paying attention tonight. We are going to have, yes, a million viewers or more potentially, and she's got so much room to grow. He has no room to grow. This is a remarkable opportunity for the whole world and voting americans to really hear that this is a clear choice to lead this is a clear choice to lead this country, to turn the page, to get it right and for families in mexico, they are counting on fair, affordable, restoring our freedoms, counting on fair, affordable, restoring ourfreedoms, that kind of leadership. == restoring our freedoms, that kind of leadership. Families in new mexico. _ kind of leadership. Families in new mexico. Great kind of leadership. Families in new mexico. Great to kind of leadership. Families in new mexico. Great to talk l kind of leadership. Families| in new mexico. Great to talk to you hero bbc news, thank you so much and we enjoy talking to you throughout the campaign. And now to my colleague in washington, caitrona perry. Donald trump and kamala harris are locked in a tight race ahead of theirfirst presidential debate. The bbc has launched its national poll tracker that produces an average based on the latest polling data in the us. Kamala harris has maintained a slight lead since she's entered the race at 47% over donald trump, who is at 44%. But the presidency is not decided by the national vote. It's decided by the electoral college — and which candidate gets 270 or more electoral college votes. And that's determined state by state. Analysts say the presidency will come down to who can win over the key swing states. Donald trump and kamala harris are locked in a tight race in three battleground states ahead of their first presidential debate. Polls show trump leading on top issues like the economy and immigration — but harris appears to have an edge in the category of exciteability. A new poll from our us news partner cbs shows that 89% of democrats in michigan, 82% in pennsylvania and 87% in wisconsin are excited with harris at the top of the democratic ticket. Among republicans, 78% said the same of trump in michigan, 75% in pennsylvania and 76% in wisconsin. But whether excitement for the harris campaign can sustain in the battleground states remains to be seen. Let's get an early first thought from our panel. Joining me in the dc studio is rodney davis, former republican congressman from illinois, now with the chamber of commerce, and stephanie murphy, former democratic congresswoman from florida. The gang is back together, it must be a big night in american politics! thanks for being with us. Hard to believe it is 75 days since the last debate, it feels like a lifetime of history has happened in those 75 days. How important is tonight, do you think? i think it is extremely _ tonight, do you think? i think it is extremely important. It is extremely important. President trump has to do as well in this debate as he did last time against president biden, which led to those historic changes that america and the world witnessed. But vice president harris has two again announce to the world who she really is. Can she be held accountable for the failures of the biden—harris administration? how willshe administration? how will she differentiate administration? how willshe differentiate herself? this is one of those big nights that could make or break a presidential race, especially because as the polling shows, everything is so close right now. ~. Y. , ~ everything is so close right now. . , ~ ,, now. What you think, stephanie? i think now. What you think, stephanie? i think after— now. What you think, stephanie? i think afterjune _ now. What you think, stephanie? i think afterjune the _ now. What you think, stephanie? i think afterjune the 27, i think afterjune the 27, nobody— i think afterjune the 27, nobody would ever say that the debate — nobody would ever say that the debate is — nobody would ever say that the debate is no longer important but this— debate is no longer important but this is a real opportunity for her. _ but this is a real opportunity for her. I_ but this is a real opportunity for her, i think much of the public— for her, i think much of the public sentiment regarding trump _ public sentiment regarding trump is a sort of set in stone, _ trump is a sort of set in stone, there's not much he can show_ stone, there's not much he can show up — stone, there's not much he can show up and do that with change people's— show up and do that with change people's opinion of him, he's been — people's opinion of him, he's been a — people's opinion of him, he's been a long time in american politics— been a long time in american politics and people have already formed impressions of him _ already formed impressions of him i— already formed impressions of him. I think there is a real opportunity and a lot of upside for harris _ opportunity and a lot of upside for harris to present herself and — for harris to present herself and to— for harris to present herself and to address a couple of the key areas _ and to address a couple of the key areas that matter to those swing — key areas that matter to those swing voters, on the economy. A lot of— swing voters, on the economy. A lot of trump's proposals around immigration and tariffs on deficit— immigration and tariffs on deficit spending, those are all things— deficit spending, those are all things that have set up alarm bells— things that have set up alarm belts on— things that have set up alarm bells on wall street and corporate america and with nonpartisan economic analysts who have _ nonpartisan economic analysts who have said those proposals have _ who have said those proposals have a — who have said those proposals have a real negative impact on, could _ have a real negative impact on, could have _ have a real negative impact on, could have a real negative impact _ could have a real negative impact on economic growth. So if she _ impact on economic growth. So if she goes— impact on economic growth. So if she goes after him on those things— if she goes after him on those things and presents her own progrowth economic policies as well as— progrowth economic policies as well as reinforcing that she plans— well as reinforcing that she plans on— well as reinforcing that she plans on addressing the immigration issue and the border, _ immigration issue and the border, there is a real opportunity for her. Do you also think— opportunity for her. Do you also think tonight opportunity for her. Do you also think tonight is opportunity for her. Do you also think tonight is about | also think tonight is about sitting at the policies were connected with the voters, given that the basis seem quite locked for both of them? for moderates — locked for both of them? for moderates of _ locked for both of them? for moderates of the swing voters it is a — moderates of the swing voters it is a bit— moderates of the swing voters it is a bit of both the ticks and — it is a bit of both the ticks and political performance as well — and political performance as well as— and political performance as well as policy. They are listening to hear that she has a vision — listening to hear that she has a vision and a path forward, but — a vision and a path forward, but she _ a vision and a path forward, but she comes off as somebody who has— but she comes off as somebody who has the ability to lead so ithink— who has the ability to lead so i think it's _ who has the ability to lead so i think it's good to be a little _ i think it's good to be a little bit of buzz, especially for those critical key swing voters _ for those critical key swing voters. ,. , ,. , voters. The swing voters that are critical — voters. The swing voters that are critical are _ voters. The swing voters that are critical are much voters. The swing voters that are critical are much smaller| are critical are much smaller than what we were used to past presidential elections. America and the electorate has really gone partisan. Those who have not only made up their mind are in limited numbers in the very limited seven battleground states so tonight is a good chance for kamala harris and president trump to remind those voters why they are the best person to lead on the issues that matter the most. It is the economy, it is issues like the border crisis, it is issues like inflation. Ijust saw border crisis, it is issues like inflation. I just saw a statistic today that the average household income between the biden—harris administration now and 2019 and president trump was in charge before the pandemic is right now $1100 less. Couple that with the inflation that has still not gone down and prices for most americans at the gas pump in the grocery store, it could be a big impact for president trump to remind those voters in those battleground states why he should be president again. Do states why he should be president again. States why he should be president again. Do you think the economy _ president again. Do you think the economy will _ president again. Do you think the economy will dominate i the economy will dominate tonight? i the economy will dominate toniaht? ~ , tonight? i think it is critically _ tonight? i think it is critically important. J tonight? | think it is | critically important. It tonight? i think it is critically important. It is the number— critically important. It is the number one issue on a lot of voters' — number one issue on a lot of voters' mines and particularly swing — voters' mines and particularly swing voters but i think harris contented with the fact that the proposal that trump has put forward, — the proposal that trump has put forward, goldman sachs, moody, they have — forward, goldman sachs, moody, they have said it will impact they have said it will impact the gdp _ they have said it will impact the gdp and it will cost americans 5% more to put gas in their— americans 5% more to put gas in their cars. — americans 5% more to put gas in theircars. It— americans 5% more to put gas in their cars, it will cost each american _ their cars, it will cost each american $4000 more tojust cover— american $4000 more tojust cover down on the basic goods. The economy has improved but when _ the economy has improved but when you — the economy has improved but when you talk macroeconomic numbers— when you talk macroeconomic numbers to the american people, the sort _ numbers to the american people, the sort of— numbers to the american people, the sort of glaze over. So touching _ the sort of glaze over. So touching on these very specific trends, — touching on these very specific trends, this trump administration would cost you $4000 — administration would cost you $4000 per american, there administration would cost you $4000 peramerican, there is really— $4000 peramerican, there is really significant, and i think the sources of that information is also — the sources of that information is also quite telling. Wall street, _ is also quite telling. Wall street, who i'm sure are really interested _ street, who i'm sure are really interested in the prospect of tax cuts, _ interested in the prospect of tax cuts, are acknowledging that — tax cuts, are acknowledging that all— tax cuts, are acknowledging that all those other policies are going to have a much bigger negative — are going to have a much bigger negative impact, and one thing iwill_ negative impact, and one thing i will notice that taxes have to go — i will notice that taxes have to go through congress, likely to go through congress, likely to be — to go through congress, likely to be very close, but tax and immigration policy can be done by the — immigration policy can be done by the president alone. We will talk about _ by the president alone. We will talk about congress _ by the president alone. We will talk about congress later by the president alone. We will talk about congress later and l talk about congress later and everything we can expect tonight, we have a lot to get through but that's about to semi in philadelphia. And now to my colleague, on the ground in pennsylvania, sumi sumoskanda. Joining me now is businessman and former 2024 republican presidential candidate, vivek ramaswamy. We have been talking about how donald trump has been preparing for tonight, what to look ahead to. There may be some surprises tonight, what are you expecting? i tonight, what are you exoecting?_ tonight, what are you exectinu?. , tonight, what are you exectina?. ,. , expecting? i have spoken to him as recently _ expecting? i have spoken to him as recently as — expecting? i have spoken to him as recently as this _ expecting? i have spoken to him as recently as this morning expecting? i have spoken to him as recently as this morning and l as recently as this morning and as recently as this morning and a few days ago, he is an acute headspace. He is not a guy who recites pre—canned talking points. Stylistically one of the contrasts i expect to see tonight, kamala harris is somebody who serves up the scripts she given, donald trump isn't that guy. The reality is, i think americans are hungry for the kind of authenticity we haven't seen from politicians. I hope donald trump presses kamala harris on her policy decisions where she has refused to take a stake in four years ago she wanted medicare for all, now she says she is against it. She was in favour of fracking, now she says she is against it. In of fracking, now she says she is against it. — is against it. In an interview about a month _ is against it. In an interview about a month ago is against it. In an interview about a month ago you is against it. In an interview about a month ago you said is against it. In an interview about a month ago you said that the trump campaign should refocus attacks on vice president harris�*s overseas, not personal attacks and crowd size. What do you think we will see from the president tonight, will be a focus on policy and not on those personal aspects? i think we have seen that shift evenin i think we have seen that shift even in the last few weeks. We don't even know what her policies were. Never know her economic policies consist of grocery price controls she favour attacks on unrealised capital gains. The reality is, they are changing the verbiage. If you believe an existing price gouging laws already, the policy is meaningless, or it means something on top of that but everything refers to price controls. But we have seen an evolution from a policy focus debate, especially from the trump campaign, and now that we know kamala harris�*s policies are. So i think it's betterfor the republican party, the more we expose a lot of these hypocritical policies. I spoke to caroline _ hypocritical policies. I spoke to caroline levitt _ hypocritical policies. I spoke to caroline levitt earlier, i hypocritical policies. I spoke| to caroline levitt earlier, the fact that if you look at 140 groupware is not performing, thatis groupware is not performing, that is with women. Kamala harris has gained an donald trump with women. Is there something you think he needs to address tonight on the debate stage and how can he do so? i think you could cut the data in any given direction, you see a lot of black and hispanic voters come over to the republican side on a scale we haven't seen before. You can slice and dice the retrospective data but what i think, all americans, retrospective data but what i think, allamericans, man or woman, black or white and even democrat or republican, what they are looking for is who is going to grow the economy, who will fix the crisis at the border, who is to revive national pride in the country. And for the viewers at home, what are the intangibles today? who is going to revive the sense of national pride and identity that we've been missing in this country? my view is, whoever you think is going to do a betterjob of providing ride on what it means to be american, vote for that candidate. To be american, vote for that candidate— to be american, vote for that candidate. . ,. ,. , , candidate. You are at the dnc, there was _ candidate. You are at the dnc, there was a — candidate. You are at the dnc, there was a lot _ candidate. You are at the dnc, there was a lot of _ candidate. You are at the dnc, there was a lot of talk candidate. You are at the dnc, there was a lot of talk about i there was a lot of talk about pride and patriotism among the democrats and kamala harris but i want to ask about some of those economic policies because we were talking to doug burgum about paris and the possibility of trade was and what that might mean for rising costs for americans. It is a huge concern from rising costs, prices of groceries and gas. Are you concerned that some of these economic policies could actually raise pressure on those because families? = actually raise pressure on those because families? the top offered — those because families? the top offered price _ those because families? the top offered price per those because families? the top offered price per share those because families? the top offered price per share is l top offered price per share is the constraint on energy production in the united states. , harris has favoured a ban on fracking she's favoured a ban on offshore drilling. She has articulated a ban in her support of the banning of fracking. When she was california governor, she sued the 0bama administration for granting fracking permits. So this has been her position until a few weeks ago. So actions do speak louder than words. That is at a far greater inflationary impact. For donald trump, infection was at a much lower rate than it has been at any point in the kamala harris regime so the reality is, the results speak for themselves far more than the verbiage. Campaign has done a good job of deflecting but the good news is, we have good policy record. 0ver is, we have good policy record. Over the last three and a half years we have seen prices go up at a faster rate than wages. Indie at a faster rate than wages. We have to leave _ at a faster rate than wages. We have to leave it there but thank you forjoining us. Enjoy the debate. We will continue our coverage here on bbc news in a few months, stay with us. —— in a few moments. Hello. It's going to be quite chilly over the next few days. In fact, it'll feel more like 0ctober rather than the first half of september. Wednesday is going to bring some sunny spells, but also brisk winds and quite a few showers, especially in the afternoon. So, here's the big picture across our neck of the woods. Here's that stream of chilly air all the way from the arctic, spreading across ireland, the uk, and many northwestern parts of europe. And the early morning forecast for wednesday shows clearer skies across many eastern and southern areas of the uk, but showers spreading into the northwest. Early morning temperatures typically between 6—10 degrees, but it will be colder in rural spots, particularly in the north. So right from the word go, yes, lots of sunshine, but brisk winds and showers from the word go in the north—west of the uk. And some of these showers will become more widespread right across the uk. I think your best chance for dry weather will be along the channel coast and perhaps the south—east and east anglia, but i wouldn't rule out one or two showers here as well. Here are the temperatures — really disappointing for this time in september — 15 in london, more typically around 13 in the north, perhaps as low as 10—11 on the north coast of scotland. Now on thursday, the winds will be lighter. I think showers will be less frequent. There will be more sunny spells around, so it'll feel better, but on the thermometer i think it'll be about the same. So 15, 13 or 15 across the bulk of england and wales, perhaps no higher than ten degrees again for many central and northern parts of scotland. Now, come the end of the week, we are anticipating the winds to ease, and that's because high pressure will be building in from the south—west — this is the azores high — and this time of the year. When that happens, we do tend to see some somewhat warmer weather streaming in from the south. So perhaps the temperatures rising a little bit, maybe 16, maybe 17, in one or two spots and back to about 12, i think, in the north of scotland, not that you'll particularly notice the difference. But you should notice the difference as we go through the weekend. That's because weather fronts are coming closer towards us. That also means a change in the wind direction. It will mean the temperatures will rise, but we'll have to pay for that. There will be some cloud and rain. So yes, slightly more unsettled, but the temperatures for some of us at least will rise. So back into the 20s we go as we head into next week, not everywhere, but it will feel just that little bit warmer. Bye— bye. Welcome back. We are less than an hour away from the us presidential debate. Vice president kamala harrris and former president donald trump are in the battleground state of pennsylvania where they will face off for the very first time. Tonight s debate caps off what has been a dramatic and unprecedented 75 days in us politics. But how did we get here? it began on the first presidential debate of this election season between president biden and former president trump onjune 27. Mr biden's fitness hit a fevered pitch after his poor performance. The 81—year—old appeared exhausted and at times struggled to complete his sentences. Initially, the president ignored calls to drop out of the race vowing to continue his reelection bid and even reiterating this promise in an interview following the debate. Then onjuly 13th, donald trump survived an assination attempt during a rally in which one person died. A couple of days later conservatives gathered for the republican national convention in milwaukee where mr trump and running mate jd vance were officially nominated as the party's presidential nominees. All the while, president biden had to cancel campaign events due to a covid diagnosis. While recovering, mr biden announced the end of his presidential campaign on social media on the 21st ofjuly. Shortly after, he endorsed vice president kamala harris, prompting support for her from other democratic leaders. The harris campaign said it raised more than 200 million dollars within the first week of announcing her bid for the oval office — that's a new record. After a swift veepsta kes, ms harris chose minnesota governor tim walz as her running mate. They toured key battleground states ahead of democratic national convention, in chicago, where they were officially nominated. That takes us to the night of the national constitution centre in philadelphia, pennsylvania. And now to my colleague on the ground in pennsylvania, sumi sumoskanda you can hear it's getting a bit louder in here as we are under 30 minutes to the debate. To my left is the spin room where we are seeing people from both parties giving media interviews. Joining me now is democratic congresswoman madeleine dean, representing pennsylvania's 4th district. Very good to see you. We saw each other at the democratic national convention and we are now in pennsylvania and very close to your district, in the suburbs of philadelphia. How important do you think the debate is denied for the state? welcome to philadelphia, my home city, and you are right, my district is suburban so my constituents will be watching this closely and i think this debate is important because it is an historic election cycle. Never before have we seen such a compressed election cycle with our nominee so beautifully going forward. You and i were together at the convention and it was a magnificent display of our values and the talented people who serve right now and want to serve, so i think it will be an important night. I don't call this the spin room, i call it the straight room, we will tell it to you straight here in philadelphia. Looking at what will _ here in philadelphia. Looking at what will happen here in philadelphia. Looking at what will happen on here in philadelphia. Looking at what will happen on the i at what will happen on the stage tonight, a lot of expectations for kamala harris and how she has to perform to be able to make her case to voters. What does she need to achieve tonight? i voters. What does she need to achieve tonight?— achieve tonight? i think she needs to — achieve tonight? i think she needs to be _ achieve tonight? i think she needs to be herself. Achieve tonight? i think she needs to be herself. She. Achieve tonight? i think she | needs to be herself. She has all of the ability, the expertise and the experience and the hard to prosecute her case. I know everybody says she will prosecute a case against the former president, but she will be very comfortable doing it because she has prosecuted cases against people who have done some corrosive and very bad things. Much more importantly to me is what she will do to prosecute a case for the american people, to show the american people, to show the bright side of where our future should go. Protecting our democracy, making sure we don't tear down the fabric of our democracy as mr trump is already trying to do by spinning already that if he should lose he would have been cheated. We've seen that playbook before. I wanted to talk about the bright future for my grandchildren. Indie talk about the bright future for my grandchildren. We talked about the two _ for my grandchildren. We talked about the two members for my grandchildren. We talked about the two members of for my grandchildren. We talked about the two members of the l about the two members of the trump campaign of said kamala harris cannot turn the page and look to the future because she is responsible of the issues america is facing, talking about the economy, immigration at the southern border, security, foreign policy and wars abroad. What is her response to that? is that something kamala harris has to explain? something kamala harris has to exlain? , �* ,. , explain? isn't it so strange because — explain? isn't it so strange because the _ explain? isn't it so strange because the truth explain? isn't it so strange because the truth is explain? isn't it so strange because the truth is the i because the truth is the economy is the envy of the g7. Yes we have prices that are too high and interest rates that are too high and we need more housing but under mr trump we lost 2 millionjobs, not housing but under mr trump we lost 2 million jobs, not to mention1 million lost 2 million jobs, not to mention 1 million americans died of covid. — mention 1 million americans died of covid. But people are unha died of covid. But people are unhappy with _ died of covid. But people are unhappy with the _ died of covid. But people are unhappy with the economy. I died of covid. But people are unhappy with the economy. There were more _ unhappy with the economy. There were more unhappy— unhappy with the economy. There were more unhappy before unhappy with the economy. There were more unhappy before when l were more unhappy before when they didn't have theirjobs and inflation was through the roof and now it is below 3%, heading to 2% and i look forward to the fed coming forward. What people need to pay attention to is what mr trump promises, in his budget for 2025 which is a really dark project of 900 pages, two things he wants to do in terms of his economic policy, massive tariffs and massive deportation. Those two things are extraordinarily inflationary. Number one, he won't be elected to do that, but that would be so devastating to our economy. Prices will go through the roof, employees, we would not have theirjobs and we would not have the number of people we need to work on the jobs we have. I we need to work on the “obs we have. ,. , ,. _ we need to work on the “obs we have. ,. , _. , we need to work on the “obs we have. ,. ,. ,. , have. I should say that donald trump has _ have. I should say that donald trump has said _ have. I should say that donald trump has said specifically trump has said specifically that project 2025 it's nothing to do with him and that is not his campaign platform. I wanted to ask about the tone, because these are two people who have never met each other, because how important will that be and what role it will play in terms of the tenure of them on stage? let me go back to say that he had nothing to do with project 2025. Mr trump would know the truth if he fell over it, sadly. In his own statements, sentence after sentence, he is capable of telling a lie or a miss truth or misrepresentation over and over again. But he tries to distance himself from that dystopian missive, and i'm not interested in that. It will be interesting because kamala harris is such a warm person. She's tough when she needs to be but she is warm, she's human, she's smart and i've every confidence she will be herself and yet they have not met, you are right, and i think mr trump will met, you are right, and i think mrtrump will be met, you are right, and i think mr trump will be most unnerved and uncomfortable. — mr trump will be most unnerved and uncomfortable. Always good to talk to you. — and uncomfortable. Always good to talk to you, especially and uncomfortable. Always good to talk to you, especially here i to talk to you, especially here in philadelphia. Please come back. Thank you so much for joining us on abc news. —— bbc news. Joining me now is tim ryann, former democratic congressman from ohio, who ran againstjd vance in 2022 for 0hio's senate seat. Good to see you again. We saw each other at the democratic national convention in chicago. What are your expectations for tonight? i what are your expectations for toni. Ht? ~ what are your expectations for toniaht? ~ �* , what are your expectations for toniaht? ~ �*,. ,. , tonight? i think it's going to be kind of— tonight? i think it's going to be kind of a _ tonight? i think it's going to be kind of a longer tonight? i think it's going to be kind of a longer debate l tonight? i think it's going to i be kind of a longer debate and i think watching whether or not trump can stay disciplined and on the rails, not made personal insults if he's getting jabbed a little bit and i think it's really important for kamala harris to make sure that she has a clear message about the future of this country because i think when you are looking at independent voters and those moderate republicans who voted for nikki haley, they are looking for a generational change so i think people are inclined to give her a chance and go with her to turn the page on the vietnam generation of politics in america, but she has to lay out the big vision, the aspirational vision and bring it to the ground on those economic pocketbook issues that most people in those swing states will care about. She has to hammer that home. Do states will care about. She has to hammer that home. To hammer that home. Do you think she _ to hammer that home. Do you think she needs _ to hammer that home. Do you think she needs to _ to hammer that home. Do you think she needs to distance i think she needs to distance herself from the current administration she is part of. I think somewhat, but i think it really was a personality thing and an age thing with president biden and when you look at the policies, they are popular, whether it is around theissue popular, whether it is around the issue of choice, the issue of marijuana legalisation, but most of all importantly on the economic issues of re—industrialisation. We are literally re—industrialising america for the first time in 40 or 50 years because of the biden policies, the chips act bringing back chip manufacturing in places like 0hio, some of them swing states, and we will be manufacturing chips again, electric vehicles, manufacturing batteries and those are because of the inflation reduction act, the chips act. And then the infrastructure build, compare it to donald trump, if you want to stay on the issues, he passed a tax cut for the country and other than that he did not do a whole lot, so she has a lot of room to say we have a long way to go, we are re—industrialising and that was the big first step to lay the foundation for the next generation of building an american middle class. There is a lot of work to do, lemme tell you it won't happen with huge tariffs that trump wants to put on which are a tax on the american people or a big tax cut for the wealthiest people. That was the only signature initiative he had and i think that's a great contrast for her. . , , that's a great contrast for her. . , ,. , her. That being said, if you look at the _ her. That being said, if you look at the polls _ her. That being said, if you look at the polls right her. That being said, if youj look at the polls right now, voters clearly prefer donald trump on the economy over kamala harris. Why do you think that is? �* , ,. ,. ,. , that is? it's been a rough go and i that is? it's been a rough go and i don't _ that is? it's been a rough go and i don't think— that is? it's been a rough go and i don't think people and i don't think people understand kamala harris�*s vision for the economy under the direction she wants to take the direction she wants to take the economy and really what the biden administration has done, the $35 issue when it comes to insulin and those kinds of things that had been straight pocketbook issues for the working class. Ifelt pocketbook issues for the working class. I felt like present biden was not able to articulate that and that is why he fell so behind in the economy plus inflation, but we are getting out of that now don't need to claim that everything is perfect, because i don't think that is the reality on the ground for what you need to say is that trump did tax cuts for the top 1% and we are building stuff again, 800,000 new manufacturing jobs, but we have a long way to go and if you go with this guy we will go backwards tojob and if you go with this guy we will go backwards to job loss chaos and the best thing for economic growth and a look at it with goldman sachs which was really significant given that trump claims he is a business quy trump claims he is a business guy and the two policies were compared by goldman sachs and by far the analyst, the economic analysts in the us said for working class people, economic analysts in the us said for working class people, for business growth that kamala for business growth that kamala harris had the best policy so harris had the best policy so she needs to hammer it home as she needs to hammer it home as well. , she well. . She she needs to hammer it home as well. She has _ she needs to hammer it home as well. She has to _ she needs to hammer it home as well. Yes. She has to build she needs to hammer it home as well. She has _ she needs to hammer it home as well. She has to _ she needs to hammer it home as well. Yes. She has to build that trust _ well. Yes. She has to build that trust _ well. Yes. She has to build that trust tonight. That trust tonight. Well. Yes. She has to build that trust tonight. One well. Yes. She has to build i that trust tonight. One more well. Yes. She has to build that trust tonight. One well. Yes. She has to build i that trust tonight. One more auestion that trust tonight. One more question for _ that trust tonight. One more question for you _ that trust tonight. One more question for you before auestion that trust tonight. One more question for _ that trust tonight. One more question for you _ that trust tonight. One more question for you before that trust tonight. One more question for you before we l that trust tonight. One more | question for you before we let you go. We spoke to a that trust tonight. One more question for you before we l that trust tonight. One more | question for you before we let you go. We spoke to a strategist earlier said the strategist earlier said the stakes are very high for stakes are very high for tonight and it could be a make tonight and it could be a make or break moment for kamala or break moment for kamala harris. Do you see it that way? harris. Do you see it that way? this is a big deal, no this is a big deal, no sugar—coating it. It's not the sugar—coating it. It's not the super bowl may be but a major super bowl may be but a major play—off game and you have to play—off game and you have to win this and if she wins it and win this and if she wins it and people feel confident, because they don't know her. A no—trump and he still only at 47% and they don't know her and she is at 47 or 48 depending on the state you are looking at, so she has a lot more room to grow and those voters out there are just not ready to say yes for her. They want to see her tonight and test her mettle and former republican congressman from illinois and stephanie murphy, former democratic congresswoman from florida. Less tha n less than 15 minutes till kick—off and we will have it live on bbc news. You have both done plenty of debates on your time, maybe not presidential debates with 50 odd million people watching, but what will be going through the candidates mines at this moment with the minutes ticking down to showtime?— minutes ticking down to showtime? �* , ,. , minutes ticking down to showtime? �*, ,. ,. , showtime? it's nerves. You are sittin: showtime? it's nerves. You are sitting back _ showtime? it's nerves. You are sitting back there, _ showtime? it's nerves. You are sitting back there, in _ showtime? it's nerves. You are sitting back there, in my showtime? it's nerves. You are sitting back there, in my case l sitting back there, in my case with your staff and your family, just making sure that you go through the last minute preparation on any debate prep that you would have done. The good news is, i was in office for multiple times and i had to prepare less and less but the first time was very nerve—racking and you think 50 million people are watching, but then you find out reality sets in and it'sjust but then you find out reality sets in and it's just a few that are interested in your race. I won a couple of tote —— close races and those were public debates and they could have been the difference when i won my first race by 1002 votes and my fourth race by 2200 votes. ,, ,. ,. , ,. , votes. Stephanie, from your exnerience. _ votes. Stephanie, from your experience, what _ votes. Stephanie, from your experience, what will votes. Stephanie, from your experience, what will be votes. Stephanie, from your. Experience, what will be going to the minds of kamala harris and donald trump now? find to the minds of kamala harris and donald trump now? and why campaigns _ and donald trump now? and why campaigns we — and donald trump now? and why campaigns we always _ and donald trump now? and why campaigns we always had and donald trump now? and why campaigns we always had a campaigns we always had a formula _ campaigns we always had a formula that worked for debate which _ formula that worked for debate which was you answer the question with a principle, some policy— question with a principle, some policy and — question with a principle, some policy and a pivot. 0n principle, it's an opportunity to connect with the viewers on values, — to connect with the viewers on values, and they will probably remember that the most. You talk about— remember that the most. You talk about policies so you know that you — talk about policies so you know that you are capable of speaking about policy and you have — speaking about policy and you have a — speaking about policy and you have a plan in the way forward but i _ have a plan in the way forward but i promise you they won't remember the specifics of individual policy. And then the pivot. — individual policy. And then the pivot. You _ individual policy. And then the pivot, you pivot to a personal story— pivot, you pivot to a personal story that _ pivot, you pivot to a personal story that drives home why you really _ story that drives home why you really believe this or to an attack— really believe this or to an attack on your opponent, so you drive — attack on your opponent, so you drive home — attack on your opponent, so you drive home the contrast that is necessary. _ drive home the contrast that is necessary, and that formula really — necessary, and that formula really works in a debate because it allows the viewers to take — because it allows the viewers to take away really high level key points and for the candidate to demonstrate that they have a mastery of the issues _ they have a mastery of the issues. . Issues. The interesting thing about tonight's _ issues. The interesting thing about tonight's debate issues. The interesting thing about tonight's debate and l issues. The interesting thing i about tonight's debate and we saw it on the other one in june, is the structure that does not allow for the free—flowing debate that you are talking about. It's more like a series of questions, isn't it? they will only have two minutes to answer, so how does that impact how they will approach that? i does that impact how they will approach that?— does that impact how they will approach that? i think some men don't like to _ approach that? i think some men don't like to be _ approach that? i think some men don't like to be interrupted approach that? i think some men don't like to be interrupted by. Don't like to be interrupted by women, — don't like to be interrupted by women, so it is probably good that— women, so it is probably good that they— women, so it is probably good that they cut the mike so at least — that they cut the mike so at least it— that they cut the mike so at least it will be good for trump because — least it will be good for trump because it won't allow harris, who— because it won't allow harris, who was— because it won't allow harris, who was a _ because it won't allow harris, who was a prosecutor to get under— who was a prosecutor to get under his— who was a prosecutor to get under his skin and it will look organised _ under his skin and it will look organised which is good. One of the interesting things is the areas — the interesting things is the areas where she is soft with voters — areas where she is soft with voters is _ areas where she is soft with voters is the younger group, between _ voters is the younger group, between 18 and 29 in the latest pou. _ between 18 and 29 in the latest poll, that is where the numbers are soft — poll, that is where the numbers are soft and they want more but you have — are soft and they want more but you have to think that greek does — you have to think that greek does not _ you have to think that greek does not remember the chaos of the trump — does not remember the chaos of the trump years either side of the trump years either side of the way— the trump years either side of the way this debate is set up, it doesn't— the way this debate is set up, it doesn't really allow for the full trump being trump to be on display — full trump being trump to be on disla. ~. , display. Without the interaction display. Without the interaction you display. Without the | interaction you don't display. Without the interaction you don't get the moment where one can give a withering put down to the other which creates one of those viral moments. — which creates one of those viral moments. You certainly can, viral moments. You certainly can. But _ viral moments. You certainly can, but let's _ viral moments. You certainly can, but let's not _ viral moments. You certainly can, but let's not kill can, but let's not kill ourselves —— kid ourselves, it's not like the rules of the last debate than the rules of this debate. It's about making your point, time limits and then at anyone who answers the question first, the person a person will have one reaction after the opponent answered their question and then it moves on in the exact opposite format. It's very formal, very formalised and a lot less interaction of trying to get that viral moment. That's the difference between the congressional debate like stephanie and i were in and when you are running for president of the united states who are hoping for the viral moment, like the moment in the last debate where donald trump uttered the words, i don't know what he said and i don't think he did either. Those are the things you don't get in a congressional debate as much because the format is so much more structured. Even more so than just cutting the microsoft. — than just cutting the microsoft. . , microsoft. The twominute followups _ microsoft. The twominute followups to _ microsoft. The twominute followups to facilitate microsoft. The twominute | followups to facilitate clips follow—ups to facilitate clips on specific issues. Foreign policy doesn't feature highly on the wish lists of voters but this year with a europe —— war in ukraine and the situation in the middle east, it does. We can see some pictures now and this is from philadelphia, a couple of blocks from where the debate is happening, a pro—palestinian protest it's been going on for several hours, very peaceful at this point that there is a heavy police presence and there are several hundred protesters that. We can expect the issue to come up tonight. We don't know what the questions are but you would expect that to arise cool you would expect that to arise cool. Macro every time you have a protest outside a debate the interviewers are going to know that this is relevant to ask and react to what is happening on the ground. Will be here on foreign policy from donald trump question what we've not heard specifics on how he would handle the situation. You heard specifics on how he would handle the situation. — handle the situation. You have heard specifics, _ handle the situation. You have heard specifics, he's _ handle the situation. You have heard specifics, he's been handle the situation. You have l heard specifics, he's been more pro—israeli thanjoe biden and kamala harris than sticking by the ally that 70% of american support and all you have to do is look at his foreign policy successes as president of the united states and he doesn't get credit for the policy successes we saw in the trump administration like the many economic successes as well. Is this a weak point for kamala harris particular in somewhere like michigan, the handling of the situation in israel and the humanitarian crisis in gaza? i think what she said during the convention was spot on. Reasonable people can hold on the head is the idea that america must support our ally, israel in the defence of her homeland and we can also have empathy and sympathy for the palestinian people who are suffering. You can hold those two thoughts in your mind at the same time. She also talked about a lethal military and i have to tell you i was really surprised to hear a democrat be so embracing of a strong and smart foreign policy for america. Smart foreign policy for america— smart foreign policy for america. ~. ,. ,. , america. We also have to calibrate _ america. We also have to calibrate the _ america. We also have to calibrate the protesters i america. We also have to l calibrate the protesters and their— calibrate the protesters and their real impact and how many voters — their real impact and how many voters there really are there. When — voters there really are there. When you _ voters there really are there. When you ask when you are on social— when you ask when you are on social media and twitter, you might— social media and twitter, you might think it is a very large voting — might think it is a very large voting block but when you interview the polling and focus groups. — interview the polling and focus groups, the issue is down at the very— groups, the issue is down at the very bottom of two dozen other— the very bottom of two dozen other issues. It doesn't make the mark— other issues. It doesn't make the mark the way that health care — the mark the way that health care and _ the mark the way that health care and reproductive rights and — care and reproductive rights and immigration on the economy does _ and immigration on the economy does. . . And immigration on the economy does. ,. ,,. . Does. Insect in specific constituencies, does. Insect in specific| constituencies, detroit, does. Insect in specific constituencies, detroit, parts of michigan where there are heavy arab american communities and i've been there and spoken to people and they say they cannot vote for the democratic ticket in the current position and what we seen this week is steps and the ceasefire looks further away than ever. fine steps and the ceasefire looks further away than ever. One of the challenges _ further away than ever. One of the challenges is _ further away than ever. One of the challenges is they further away than ever. One of the challenges is they are the challenges is they are angry and upset with the biden administration and with the netanyahu administration. The question is when the american policy, would it be any different if trump were in power? would you think trump would be pressing for humanitarian assistance for the palestinians? do they believe that that policy would be any better? i'm not sure there is the contrast there for them and at the end of the day elections our choices, so they may not love the choices they have but the policies at least with the biden administration has an element of humanitarian concern. Element of humanitarian concern— element of humanitarian concern. . . ,. , concern. We may hear more in the debate _ concern. We may hear more in the debate which _ concern. We may hear more in the debate which is _ concern. We may hear more in the debate which is six concern. We may hear more in | the debate which is six minutes away from starting but before we go back to philadelphia, a final thought from both of you. What does a win look like for each of your respective candidates tonight? first off, the protests _ candidates tonight? first off, the protests outside candidates tonight? first off, the protests outside are candidates tonight? first off, | the protests outside are going to have an impact in thejewish communities in states like 0hio, communities in states like ohio, michigan, wisconsin, so let's not underestimate the impact on a very close race that that could have based upon the equivocation of vice president harris on this issue compared to president trump. A win tonight for president trump means he did exactly what he did in the last debate, he looked presidential, he was able to respond in a very effective manner, talking about the successes of his administration and contrasting successes with some of the lesser successes or failures, i might add of the biden harris administration. A win for kamala harris is being very forthcoming, making sure she reintroduces a cell to the american people and talks about what she is going to do and separates us from the biden harris administration policies that have not worked. I’m harris administration policies that have not worked. I'm not sure that _ that have not worked. I'm not sure that trump _ that have not worked. I'm not sure that trump would that have not worked. I'm not| sure that trump would change many — sure that trump would change many minds based on his performance. I think minds are pretty— performance. I think minds are pretty set— performance. I think minds are pretty set and people have a high — pretty set and people have a high tolerance for his performance in these types of events — performance in these types of events. He is a tv personality so he — events. He is a tv personality so he has _ events. He is a tv personality so he has the advantage there over— so he has the advantage there over somebody who is more of a politician — over somebody who is more of a politician and for her i think it's important she lays out her vision — it's important she lays out her vision for— it's important she lays out her vision for the future of america, addresses some of the policy— america, addresses some of the policy concern she knows exist out there — policy concern she knows exist out there and helps to not only shore — out there and helps to not only shore up — out there and helps to not only shore up her base but when over some _ shore up her base but when over some of— shore up her base but when over some of those independent voters _ some of those independent voters. ~. ,. , , voters. We will wait to see what happens _ voters. We will wait to see what happens and voters. We will wait to see what happens and we voters. We will wait to see what happens and we will| voters. We will wait to see i what happens and we will be back here for your thoughts and analysis when it is over, but now let's go back over to philadelphia to suni. To give you a sense of what is going on, it's getting very busy and just to my left in the spin room we are seeing one of the key democrat surrogates, gavin newsom, speaking to the media bear let's go to gary 0'donoghue who is in the spin room on the floor. Give us a sense of what has been happening where you are? i think as you would expect a lot of people from both sides, democrats, wejust of people from both sides, democrats, we just had the governor of california, gavin newsom wandering around the floor and senators, republican senators, marco rubio and rick scott and doug berg, a candidate from the republican primary, all trying to set some of the parameters for tonight is the idea really that all the pressure is on kamala harris from their point of view, that she has to have a break—out moment tonight because donald trump has done six of these in the past and unquestionably won the past and unquestionably won the debate againstjoe biden backin the debate againstjoe biden back injune and do you know what you are getting with him —— you do know what you're getting with him which is what they said to me but you also ask what are you getting from kamala harris and that has been borne out by some degree in the polls with a lot of people say they do not know where she stands and if you look at where we are in philadelphia and pennsylvania, it's incredibly important, something like 16% of this state, possibly this most important state in this presidential election, they haven't made up their minds yet, so you can see there's a lot to play for here, in michigan, in wisconsin on the sunbelt, so a big nighti michigan, in wisconsin on the sunbelt, so a big night i think for kamala harris tonight, no doubt on the other question is which donald trump will turn up? the policy focused donald trump, the disciplined one that we saw in june trump, the disciplined one that we saw injune or will it be one who starts to lash out, throwing insults, get personal and do those things which his campaign don't want him to do and which can turn off those members of the public who are still vacillating. find members of the public who are still vacillating. — still vacillating. And we have been saying _ still vacillating. And we have been saying what _ still vacillating. And we have been saying what a still vacillating. And we have been saying what a pivotal. Been saying what a pivotal debate this will be, the first time kamala harris and donald trump facing off against each other. It seems that this is going to be a particularly consequential debate for kamala harris, isn't it?— harris, isn't it? yeah, bear in mind this— harris, isn't it? yeah, bear in mind this is— harris, isn't it? yeah, bear in mind this is the _ harris, isn't it? yeah, bear in mind this is the first harris, isn't it? yeah, bear in mind this is the first time mind this is the first time they've ever met. There is some dynamic involved in that, don't forget, and you can't ignore the fact that this is donald trump coming up against a woman again, anotherfemale candidate, just like you did in 2016 where he kind of prowled around the stage behind hillary clinton, this is pre—metoo and all that kind of thing this was regarded as pretty intimidated three and he won't have that chance night as they are obliged to stick behind their podiums in their mics will be muted which is something the harris campaign interestingly didn't want in contrast to the biden campaign that did, so there will be a lot more disjointed debate but it doesn't mean there won't be some sparks between them because one will stop speaking and another will start and that is the point at which it could get heated, even personal. We will see. Kamala harris�*s team clearly want to portray this as the prosecutor versus the convicted felon, the other side want to say, here is a man who is good on the economy, you know the years, the polls tell you that, things were better when he was president and here is a woman who is untested and who has inherited some of the worst policies, they will say, thatjoe brydon brought the country, so ——joe biden brought the country, and there is a narrative is here that will depend on their performance and those big viral, break—out moments which tend to define these debates. The debate is just about to get started in the constitution centre from where we are in the convention centre, stick with bbc news as we will have plenty of analysis and many more guests after the debate including some of the circuit from both of the party but the us presidential debate is set to get started right now on abc news. Stay tuned for our live coverage and make sure to head to the website as well. We will see you at the debate. Tonight, the high—stakes showdown in philadelphia between vice president, harris and former president donald trump. Theirfirst face—to—face trump. Their first face—to—face meeting trump. Theirfirst face—to—face meeting in this presidential election, the first fa ce—to —fa ce election, the first face—to—face meeting ever. Aha, face—to—face meeting ever. Historic race, president baidu withdrawing after his last debate, donald trump now up against a new opponent. The candidates — against a new opponent. The candidates separated by the smallest of margins, essentially tied in the polls and in the key battlegrounds including here in pennsylvania, all still very much in play. The abc news presidential debate starts right now. This is an abc news special, the most _ this is an abc news special, the most consequential this is an abc news special, the most consequential moment of this— the most consequential moment of this campaign, _ the most consequential moment of this campaign, kamala of this campaign, kamala harris~ _ of this campaign, kamala harris _ of this campaign, kamala harris. . . Together we will char: e harris. . . Together we will charge a _ harris. . . Together we will charge a new _ harris. . . Together we will charge a new way harris. . . Together we will | charge a new way forward. Donald trump. Indie charge a new way forward. Donald trump. — charge a new way forward. Donald trump. Charge a new way forward. Donald trum. ~ ,. , donald trump. We will soon be a treat donald trump. We will soon be a great nation _ donald trump. We will soon be a great nation again. _ great nation again. Face—to—face, historic. The abc news _ face—to—face, historic. The abc news residential— face—to—face, historic. The abc news residential debate. Good evening. Thank you for joining us for tonight's abc news presidential debate, we want to work viewers watching on abc and around the world. Vice