The upcoming Kamala Harris and Donald Trump TV debate has found space on the European newspapers today.
Whilst not the lead story, many of the newspapers offer their opinion on the Tuesday debate, as polls suggest the race remains tight.
Presidential TV debates in the US are hugely popular and have a direct impact on elections. With the presidential election less than two months away, today’s debate will likely be the only one Harris and Trump agree to.
What is said tonight could decide the course of the election – and set one of the candidates on a clearer path to victory.
‘Whoever slips up first, loses the election’ – European media react to upcoming US presidential TV debate
Basic facts
- Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet face-to-face in first – and likely only – TV debate
- The debate will be hosted by ABC News, it will last 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks
- There will be no audience and mics will be muted when the other candidate speaks
- The debate begins at 21:00 EDT (02:00 BST) on Tuesday 10 September.
- It will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania is a key battleground state
‘Opinion polls narrow ahead of TV debate’
‘Opinion polls narrow’ says The Irish Times
The Irish Times reports that whilst the Democrats have recently enjoyed a few weeks of dominating the political narrative in the US, the opinion polls are showing the gap between the two candidates is narrowing.
Following Joe Biden’s announcement he would not seek re-election – and Harris becoming the official Democratic nominee, the party had seen a sharp increase in donations and coverage leading to a re-energising of the campaign and the Democratic voter base.
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‘Trump has flair for stunts and nastiness’
‘Key moment in election’ says Le Monde
The front page of the French newspaper Le Monde highlights the important role Pennsylvania will play in the upcoming election as it is one of the key battleground states. The paper highlights that the race for the White House is tight.
With a debate scheduled between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the article suggests that Pennsylvania’s political dynamics are particularly significant in the context of the broader election campaign.
“The show will take place a few hundred miles away, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a state greatly coveted by both camps, with its 19 electoral college votes at stake.”
“Now running in his third presidential campaign, Trump is no stranger to televised debates. He has a flair for stunts, for destabilizing nastiness.”
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‘Whoever slips first, loses’
‘Whoever slips up first, loses’ claims the Tagesspiegel
The front page of Tagesspiegel highlights the upcoming televised debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as a critical moment in the U.S. election. The headline translates to “Whoever slips up first, loses,”* emphasising that the debate could be decisive in swaying U.S. voters. The coverage suggests that both candidates must make strong impressions during this debate, and any mistakes could significantly impact the outcome of the election. The article sets up the debate as a high-stakes confrontation that could potentially determine the election results.
