Trump and Harris meet in high-stakes debate

PHILADELPHIA, United States — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met Tuesday for their first -- and possibly only -- televised debate, a potential game-changer in a presidential race that has already cast the United States into historic upheaval.

The Democratic vice president and Republican former president entered the venue in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Then they shook hands -- to the surprise of many -- before heading to their podiums.

The live clash on ABC News, watched by tens of millions of voters, was expected to last around 90 minutes.

With only 56 days left before the November 5 election, the intense spotlight will be a rare opportunity for both candidates to shift the balance in what polls show is an almost evenly split contest.

Much of the attention was on whether Trump will fire his characteristic insults at Harris -- or whether the former California prosecutor will get under the skin of convicted felon Trump.

A single zinger or gaffe could dominate TV screens and social media platforms for days to come.

And the debate is a key chance for Harris to introduce herself to more voters after only jumping into the race less than eight weeks ago, when 81-year-old President Joe Biden abruptly quit.

Trump, 78, touched down in his plane -- dubbed Trump Force One -- just over two hours ahead of the debate, while Harris, 59, arrived in the eastern city on Monday.

The pressure is arguably greater for Harris, America's first female, Black and South Asian vice president, as she takes part in her first presidential debate.

Former reality TV star Trump will attack Harris on issues like the economy and immigration, but may also unleash more of the racist and sexist invective that he's directed her way during the campaign.

Both candidates are vying to be seen as championing change.

Harris's favorite rally slogan is "we're not going back" to the chaos of the Trump years, while Trump is working to define Harris as responsible for much of the unpopular policies in the Biden administration.

Under the rules, the debate was being held without an audience, while the rivals' microphones were only to be on when it was their turn to speak in order to avoid