Staff Reports
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia has been chosen as the illustrious setting for the upcoming first presidential debate featuring Vice President Kamala Harris facing off against former President Donald Trump. Scheduled for September 10 at 9 p.m. EST, this debate, hosted by ABC News, will have the network’s David Muir and Linsey Davis moderating—a duo that surely promises to add an interesting twist to the proceedings. Whether that twist is a good one remains to be seen.
This museum, which opened its doors on July 4, 2003, pitches itself as a shrine dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. According to its mission statement, the Center aims to celebrate the “greatest vision of human freedom in history.” With a flair for theatrics, it claims to be the premier platform for constitutional education and debate, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in interactive programs and exhibits. Given that it’s hailed as “America’s Town Hall,” one can only hope it avoids becoming a mere circus populated by self-important virtue signalers on one side and a lone voice of reason on the other.
The first Presidential Debate between #KamalaHarris and #DonaldTrump will take place at @ConstitutionCtr on September 10.
The location is steps away from where the U.S. Constitution was written and debated.#discoverPHL #Election2024 pic.twitter.com/Uyhax1OHxC
— discoverPHL (@discoverPHL) August 20, 2024
In a somewhat peppy statement, the Center’s president, Jeffrey Rosen, expressed his excitement about hosting the debate, claiming it’s a golden opportunity for “all Americans” to engage with the principles that supposedly define American democracy. Evidently, he sees the constitutional integrity in allowing a sitting vice president—one with a track record of dodging tough questions—to debate an outspoken former president known for turning every question into a campaign rally. One can almost hear the popcorn popping in anticipation.
Despite the fanfare, skepticism lingers regarding the debate landscape. While this particular debate is the only one confirmed, rumors swirl around why other potential matches2 have fallen flat. Trump had tried to lock in three debates with Harris, including one on the ever-favorable Fox News network. However, it seems that Harris has taken a page out of the Democrat playbook by spurning the Fox News opportunity. This decision raises questions about her eagerness to engage in real dialogue with her opponents.
The National Constitution Center has a history of hosting debates, too; in 2008, it welcomed a Democratic primary debate and managed to squeeze in two town halls during the chaotic 2020 election cycle, featuring both Trump and Biden. The premise of healthy discourse is noble, but whether this upcoming tête-à-tête will rise to the occasion or devolve into an exchange of tired platitudes from one side and brash retorts from Trump is anyone’s guess. Nevertheless, the stage is set for what promises to be a revealing exploration of the current state of American political discourse—or perhaps just another episode in the ongoing political comedy.
