Kamala Harris steps on to the presidential general election debate stage for the first time Tuesday. But the vice president and Democratic nominee has plenty of debate experience to draw on as she takes on former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump. Longtime political observers of Harris describe her debate approach as obviously influenced by her years as a prosecutor and attorney general in California. She views the events much like a jury trial, trying to win the argument on the merits but also ensure that viewers walk away with key impressions. That means mastering the moment to get viral clips but also having a command of the facts and communicating a broader narrative.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have thrown into question whether they will meet for a debate next month as scheduled, with the presidential nominees in disagreement over whether microphones should be muted. The Democratic and Republican presidential nominees are slated to meet Sept. 10 in Philadelphia for a debate on ABC News. The Harris campaign says it's told ABC they want microphones to be live, not muted when it's the other candidate's turn to speak, which is different from the rules for the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden. Trump's campaign says the GOP nominee accepted the same rules for the ABC debate, but then Harris' campaign sought changes.

President Joe Biden is beginning an intense period of private debate preparations at Camp David. The Democrat's trip comes as officials in both major political parties scramble to set expectations for what may be the most consequential presidential debate in decades. Biden's team notes he cannot afford an underwhelming performance against Donald Trump on June 27 in Atlanta. Trump's allies are pushing the Republican to stay focused on his governing plans but expect him to be tested by pointed questions about his unrelenting focus on election fraud and his legal baggage. Strategists on both sides agree on one thing: Nearly four months before Election Day, the political stakes could not be higher.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to hold two campaign debates, on June 27 hosted by CNN and on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC. CNN says its debate will be held in its Atlanta studios and "no audience will be present." The Democratic president earlier Wednesday announced he won't participate in fall presidential debates sponsored by the nonpartisan commission that's organized them for more than three decades. Biden proposed two debates with the Republican ex-president, excluding third-party candidates. Trump says, "Let's get ready to Rumble!!!" CNN holds open the door to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s participation if he or any other third-party candidate meets polling and ballot access requirements.