Harris and Trump Gear Up for Their Historic First Face-Off in Upcoming Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to meet face-to-face for the first time during their upcoming debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. This encounter is being watched closely as it may be one of the few opportunities for voters to assess the candidates ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

As the political landscape shifts following Trump’s campaign developments and Biden’s earlier debates, this event promises to provide important insights into their contrasting platforms. Many social media users have raised the question about this being their first in-person meeting.

The answer is definitively yes; this debate marks their inaugural face-to-face interaction. In June, Harris confirmed during an interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that she had never actually met Trump.

“No,” Harris replied when asked if she had met Trump. This sentiment was echoed in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, where she noted their lack of direct interaction despite being prominent figures in national politics.

Harris previously acknowledged that their only proximity may have occurred during events such as Trump’s State of the Union addresses. According to Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s former campaign manager, this lack of direct meetings is notable given their long-standing roles in politics.

Interestingly, both figures would typically have crossed paths during President Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. However, Trump’s decision to skip the event due to his refusal to concede the election resulted in this missed opportunity. They will now share a stage, making it a significant moment in the lead-up to a contentious election.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Harris and Trump campaigns prior to publication were unsuccessful. This debate will not only set the tone for the rest of the campaign but could also highlight crucial differences in their approaches and policies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.