TV debates have mattered more than ever before in this year's US presidential election. President Joe Biden's pitiful performance on 27 June effectively knocked the incumbent out of the race for the White House. Then on 10 September Biden's replacement, vice president Kamala Harris , proved she is a real contender, baiting her opponent Donald Trump into wild statements such as "they're eating the pets!".
The Democrats have recovered in the polls since Harris took over the nomination, including in so-called swing states, to the point that she is now narrow favourite to beat Trump, according to some respected analysts. Others still reckon the Republican Trump will be re-elected. Either way, all agree the contest is on a knife edge with voting already under way in a handful of less populated states, and opening next week in Illinois.
With things so close, the televised debate next Tuesday could even tip the balance. "All the needle needs to be moved is 0.1% in either direction, and that could be the difference in four or five states," according to Steven Maviglio, a Democratic strategist.
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