The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia has been selected as the venue for the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at 9 p.m. EST. The event will be hosted by ABC News and moderated by the network’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, according to a press release.
Opened on July 4, 2003, the museum is dedicated to “the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.” Its website describes the center as the nation’s leading “platform for constitutional education and debate” that “brings the Constitution to life through interactive programs and exhibits for visitors of all ages.” It is widely viewed as “America’s Town Hall,” bringing together leaders from both political camps “to debate the Constitution on all media platforms.”
“The mission of the National Constitution Center is to foster civil dialogue and debate, and we are honored to have been selected as the site for the September presidential debate,” said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, in a statement. “Presidential debates are a meaningful opportunity for all Americans to learn about the principles that define American democracy and are enshrined in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the American idea.”
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A press release noted that the museum previously hosted the Democratic presidential debate in the 2008 primary and two town hall meetings with then-President Trump and then-candidate Joe Biden in 2020. The museum also hosts the annual Liberty Medal ceremony, which “honors people around the world who have dedicated themselves to the blessings of freedom.” Past recipients include former Senator John McCain (R-AZ), former President George W. Bush and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others.
Currently, the debate at the Constitution Center is the only agreed-upon debate between the presidential candidates. Previously, Trump had reportedly agreed to three debates with Harris, including one hosted by Fox News. However, on Monday night, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that Harris had refused to participate in the debate on Fox News, which was tentatively scheduled for September 4.
It remains to be seen whether there will be further debates in the future.
