The Economist explains

Will the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump matter?

Normally presidential match-ups hardly move the needle—but this is no ordinary year

Dyptych showing close ups of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Photograph: Getty Images

NO PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE has had as much impact on an election as that between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on June 27th. Mr Biden’s performance was so disastrous that his own party pressed him to drop out. Since Kamala Harris, the vice-president, replaced him as the Democrats’ nominee the race has tightened. It is now a toss-up, according to The Economist’s model. On September 10th Ms Harris will face Mr Trump in a second presidential debate. How much difference will this one make?

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