Moderators for the Upcoming Debate: David Muir and Linsey Davis

Moderators for the Upcoming Debate: A Closer Look

As the anticipation builds for Tuesday’s debate, sponsored by ABC News, the spotlight is set to shine on the candidates taking the stage: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. However, two prominent ABC journalists will play a crucial role in guiding the evening’s events as moderators, tasked with steering this high-stakes encounter towards a civil discourse while avoiding chaos. Here’s an overview of the moderators:

David Muir
Anchor, “World News Tonight”

At 50 years old, David Muir stands out as the most popular television news anchor in the United States, with an impressive average of 7.4 million viewers tuning in to his nightly newscast on ABC last month, as reported by Nielsen ratings. This remarkable figure surpasses his counterparts at NBC and CBS and eclipses cable news favorites like MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and Fox News’s Jesse Watters.

Muir has a wealth of experience, having interviewed both candidates and moderated four primary debates (three Democratic and one Republican) in the past. While he is not exclusively known as a political specialist, Muir’s career began as a weather correspondent on “Good Morning America,” and he has reported from numerous conflict zones across the globe.

Over the years, Muir has worked diligently to portray himself as a nonpartisan figure. According to his aides, Donald Trump has previously complimented Muir’s striking appearance, likening him to a classic network news anchor. Notably, Trump chose Muir for his first major television interview after assuming the presidency in 2017.

Linsey Davis
Sunday Anchor, “World News Tonight”

Linsey Davis, 46, may have a slightly lower profile compared to Muir, but she brings her own noteworthy experience to the table. Having moderated two Democratic primary debates during the 2020 election cycle, she, like Muir, is a versatile anchor with a broad skill set.

One of Davis’s memorable moments came in 2019 during an ABC debate in Houston, where she engaged in a pointed exchange with Kamala Harris. Davis challenged the Vice President on her shift to more progressive stances on criminal justice issues, asking, “When you had the power, why didn’t you try to effect change then?” This question drew applause from the audience, highlighting the tension of the moment.

In response, Harris defended her record, asserting that her plans had been recognized by activists as “bold and comprehensive.” Fast forward five years, and Harris is now attempting to reshape her image as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, indicating the evolving nature of political narratives.