Trump vs Harris Presidential Debate: Candidates go on attack in zinger-filled showdown

Action News had a chance to sit down with ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce ahead of Tuesday's presidential debate in Philadelphia.

Bruce has kept track of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's campaigns leading up to the highly-anticipated event at the National Constitution Center.

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Bruce noted that the dynamics between the two parties changed tremendously.

She was able to discuss what both Trump and Harris need to achieve on the debate stage to get to the White House.

Bruce also dissected the impact of swing states and the importance of votes in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.

On top of that, Action News asked some complex questions, like what exchanges could viewers see between Trump and Harris that may move the needle with voters?

Bruce has answers, commentary, insights, and more on the first presidential debate scheduled for September 10 at 9 p.m.

As security tightens around the National Constitution Center ahead of the presidential debate, another issue authorities are concerned with when it comes to security is whether protests will break out before, during, or after the debate.

Action News spoke with a lifelong Democrat who flew all the way from Florida to protest issues relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"This is a major international event. I've already done media with Mexico and Russia, all kinds of people. There are all kinds of neat people I am relating to," said Bob Kunst from Miami Beach.

The Philly Palestinian Coalition is also expected to gather at City Hall on Tuesday night and march down to the National Constitution Center.

Police said they're working with the group to create an atmosphere of expression while also keeping safety in mind.

On top of that, Trump supporters gathered outside a Center City hotel where the vice president was staying Monday night.

And in the city's Brewerytown section, groups gathered outside of a Harris campaign office to protest issues surrounding deportation.

"It's a good day because the vice president is here and we're trying to make our voice heard," said protester Tia Chao.

Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, said on CNN on Tuesday morning that Donald Trump has done "traditional debate prep," in addition to preparing by speaking to the media and attending public events.

"He has been preparing for this debate. He's done traditional debate prep," she said, before citing media appearances such as town halls, press conferences, podcasts and interviews.

The Trump campaign has previously focused on media and public events as Trump's debate prep, barely discussing more "traditional" debate prep.

Lara Trump framed her father-in-law's public events and media availability as a "stark contrast, of course, to what we've seen from Kamala Harris."

"I think Donald Trump is very focused on this debate tonight. He knows how important it is. He doesn't take anything for granted," she said.

As the historic presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump approaches, security is on high alert at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center.

Over the last several days, barricades were put in place surrounding Independence Mall in preparation for multiple road closures.

As the historic debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump approaches, security is on high alert at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center.

Flight restrictions were also put in place, and there is a notable presence of law enforcement in the area.

"There's plenty of work you don't see behind the scenes," noted security expert Jack Tamarchio.

Tamarchio used to work with Homeland Security. He told Action News that the National Constitution Center is a place that security officials are already familiar with thanks to a number of past high-profile events.

"They understand this place, they have it mapped out. They know where the ventilation systems are. They know where underground piping tunnels are. So those are places they are comfortable with," he explained.

Philadelphia leaders have worked with state and federal partners to secure the debate venue and its surrounding area.

Most roads around Independence Mall are closed as of Tuesday morning, limiting access to the area.

Action News spoke with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who talked about this monumental task.

"We will have our Office of Emergency Management up and activated tomorrow, and work in collaboration across the entire city government with local state and other partners to ensure we have a safe event," Bethel said.

Another issue authorities are concerned with when it comes to security is whether protests will break out before, during, or after the debate.

As the debate draws closer, security will tighten even further, with more road closures throughout the day.