(NewsNation) —The country’s eyes are turning to the city of brotherly love as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump prepare to square off Tuesday in their first presidential debate in Philadelphia.
Both White House contenders hope to set themselves apart in an extremely close race. Recent polling from The New York Times shows both candidates in a neck and neck race in several key swing states with eight weeks until election day.
Ninety minutes on the debate stage could make or break a campaign. President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following his performance at the most recent debate with Trump in June. The fallout emphasizes the stakes riding on the candidates’ performances Tuesday — the first time they’ll take the stage opposite one another.
National averages from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill show Harris polling at 49.4% and Trump at 46.2%.
Voters say they hope the debate is informative, constructive and leads to a productive conversation.
“I expect there to be a little bit of animosity coming from both sides,” said Pennsylvania voter Christine Tassoni. “But hopefully some explanations on their intentions on what they have in store if they get elected.”
On a national scale, voters are worried about the issues that affect them every day, including how they’ll put gas in their tanks and whether basic goods will become more affordable.
Harris’ campaign has been studying Trump’s previous debate to plan for quips throughout the evening. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly tapped former Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to help with preparation. Gabbard previously took aim at Harris during a presidential primary debate in 2019.