With the US presidential election fast approaching, the anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be one of the defining moments of the race. Hosted by ABC News, the debate will take place on Tuesday night and is widely seen as crucial for both candidates in swaying undecided voters.

The latest poll data, reported by sources including the New York Times, Siena College, and ABC News/Ipsos, reveals a tight and competitive race. Trump leads Harris on economic issues, with polls indicating that 50% of voters believe Trump would handle the economy better, while 43% have confidence in Harris. However, Harris has a significant lead in social issues like abortion and race relations.

A poll from late August places Harris ahead nationally by 3 percentage points, but this lead has narrowed. With President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, 28% of voters still feel uncertain about Harris' positions. Her challenge lies in consolidating support, especially among Latino voters, and addressing economic concerns, where Trump holds a 13-point advantage. Social issues, however, are Harris' stronger suit, with many voters viewing her as a progressive change compared to Trump's continuation of his previous policies.

Trump's consistent messaging on immigration and the economy has solidified his base. His appeal as a change candidate contrasts with Harris, who many see as representing a continuation of the Biden administration. Polls indicate that voters are predominantly concerned about the economy and immigration, which might shape the debate's dynamics.

Personal attributes are also impacting voter preferences. Harris is viewed as more honest and trustworthy than Trump by a margin of 43% to 25%, according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll. Additionally, 57% of respondents believe Harris is in better physical health than Trump. While both candidates face scrutiny over their capabilities, Trump's character and fitness for office remain contentious topics. Around 70% of voters believe Trump has made offensive remarks, yet many of his supporters remain unfazed.

As the Trump-Harris debate unfolds, expectations are high for both candidates. Harris, with a slight edge in current polling, aims to maintain her momentum. The debate's outcome could either consolidate her lead or shift momentum back to Trump, given their tied standings in battleground states that will likely decide the election.

The German media landscape is also closely following the debate, with networks such as RTL and ntv providing live coverage with German simultaneous translation. Public broadcasters like ARD and the streaming platform Joyn will also broadcast the debate.

Harris' campaign has faced setbacks, particularly in their efforts to modify debate rules, which aimed to remove the muted microphone format. The format, established to prevent interruptions, has forced the Harris camp to adjust its strategy, originally designed for a more confrontational approach. According to officials, Harris intended to leverage her prosecutorial skills to challenge Trump directly, a tactic now constrained by the rule changes.

Commentators suggest that Trump's weakness lies in moments when he becomes visibly upset and snaps. Harris' aides argue that the debate rules diminish their ability to exploit this. On the other hand, Trump's team might be counting on these rules to allow Harris to potentially self-destruct under the weight of uninterrupted response times.

The debate represents more than the candidates' policies; it's a reflection of their contrasting political styles and campaign strategies. Trump's base remains energized by his stance on immigration and economic issues, whereas Harris must continue to energize voters who are passionate about social justice and health care. Experts believe Harris has more to gain or lose in this debate given her relatively recent entry into the national spotlight compared to the well-known Trump.

The 90-minute debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, devoid of a live audience. Both candidates will hope their performance can transform voter sentiments in their favor as early voting begins soon after the debate.

In the context of the broader 2024 US elections, this debate marks a pivotal point. With both campaigns under intense scrutiny and the electorate's mood swinging, the Trump-Harris encounter could heavily influence the final leg of the election campaign.