Last-minute preparations underway ahead of Harris/Trump presidential debate in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Last-minute preparations are underway at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
It's all the buzz as the city gears up for the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
RELATED | Harris-Trump ABC News presidential debate: How to watch, what to know
"There's so much history here, so I think there's no better place to have it other than Philly," said Ankita Prasad from Center City.
Excitement is building across the city as the debate approaches. It's set to take place on September 10 at 9 p.m.
Voters are calling it a pivotal moment in this election.
RELATED: Street closures, other changes in Philadelphia you need to know about for the presidential debate
"Kamala hasn't really been in a debate. He (Trump) has been in the most debates out of any presidential candidate, so he has experience, but I think she'll still do well," explained Craig Thomas from Queen Village.
Crews are putting the final touches on both the inside and outside of the National Constitution Center. 6abc has partnered with ABC News to host the event.
What the candidates plan to do during their first year in office and policy are top of mind for voters.
"I really want to talk about immigration, obviously everybody does. The economy, tax cuts," said Nick Bosshardt from Ridley.
But what voters say they really want to hear is a clean dialogue between Trump and Harris.
SEE ALSO | ABC News releases rules for presidential debate between Harris, Trump in Philadelphia
"I'm not so concerned about what they discuss, just that they give legitimate answers. I would like to hear the actual questions that are asked answered," explained Josh Salmon.
Impact to local economy
While there is no live audience, the debate is still drawing in hundreds of people, from the media to politicians and of course staff members -- including security for both the Harris and Trump campaigns.
People on both sides of the aisle agree on how the debate will affect the city's bottom line.
"It's normally very good for the local economy," said Marques Reed of Bassetts Ice Cream.
Some added that hosting the debate here is creating a huge opportunity for businesses across the city.
"It will fill our rooms for several days because you have the Secret Service advanced team coming in ahead of time, you have the media coming in. And not only that, when I heard it was early in the week I also knew we'd get a lot of Sunday night stays, which are very coveted in our industry," said Ed Grose, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.
Without the debate, experts say this would have been a tough time for the hospitality industry, which employs 70,000 people in the city.
"We don't have any conventions in town," Grose said. "We've lost an Eagles home game because they're in Brazil, so this is a very much-needed shot in the arm for us."
Security tightens
Security is on high alert at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center.
"I've seen it. It's a noticeable presence, you can actually feel it around. I'm surprised they're letting people walk as close as they are, but I definitely see the barricades. It's been quite the experience," said Dwayne Monize from Toronto, Canada.
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.
Another issue authorities are concerned with when it comes to security is whether protests will break out before, during, or after the debate.
The Philly Palestinian Coalition is 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. In Brewerytown, groups gathered outside of a Harris campaign office to protest issues surrounding deportation.
Insight and analysis
The first presidential debate between Harris and Trump comes at a pivotal time -- just days before some states begin early voting.
ABC News has learned Harris held mock debates in Pittsburgh over the weekend.
"She's actually being prepared and being given the help of some of the advisers who helped Hillary Clinton prepare for her 2016 debate with Donald Trump," said ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce.
Trump campaign officials say the former president's strategy is to focus on the record of the Biden-Harris administration. This will be his seventh general election debate, which is a record.
"No other president has done so many general election debates. So he's been at this before. He has a sense for it, but most of it is instinct, not practice," said ABC News' Jonathan Karl.
Ahead of the must-watch event, Action News talked about potential debate strategies with Villanova University Political Science Professor David Barrett.
He believes Trump's approach should focus on tying Harris to the economy and the lingering issues along the southern border.
"If you can sort of marginalize her candidacy by issues-oriented attacks, then I think that can go well for him," Barrett explained.
The professor said if he were advising Harris, he would encourage her to remain positive, even if Trump launches personal attacks.
"Focus on what she sees as the strength of her candidacy and doing it in a way that sort of gives off optimism and the sense of joy and focus on the future," he says.
West Chester University professor John Kennedy says a large majority have already decided who they will vote for, but the undecided voters are important.
"This election is going to be a marginal election to be decided by a small amount of votes," said Kennedy.
The world saw how the last debate heavily influenced President Joe Biden's decision to leave office, which begs the question, what will come of this debate?
"This debate has the chance to essentially shape the rest of the election," noted ABC News Senior Reporter Katherine Faulders, who has covered so much of this campaign season for the network.
Meet the director of the debate
From setting up cameras and production trucks to literally setting the stage, technical teams have been transforming Philadelphia's National Constitution Center for the debate.
Among the hard workers who have been tirelessly planning is ABC News Director Lily Olszewski.
She's the woman who will be behind the buttons, sending images to every home across the country as the debate takes place.
6abc spoke with her about the upcoming event, and she said the significance of it is not lost on her in the slightest.
"This is part of the historical record and I know the importance of this debate for this coming election. We saw in the last debate that it changed the course of history," Olszewski noted.
Road closures and detours
Temporary street closures are already in place for the debate.
Here is a timeline of closures:
Monday, September 9
Residents may experience increases to traffic and temporary lane closures in the area near and around the National Constitution Center as event-related preparation work is scheduled to begin and last throughout the weekend.
Tuesday, September 10 - Wednesday, September 11
-Beginning early morning Tuesday September 10, street closures will be in effect from Arch to Market Streets, between 4th and 7th Streets.
-Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be allowed on 4th Street and Market Street.
-The 6th Street exit of I-676 eastbound will also be closed beginning Tuesday morning.
-I-676 westbound is expected to remain open but may close if necessary.
-No one will be permitted inside those secure closure points. Arch and Race Streets will remain closed throughout the duration of the event.
-Closures will remain in effect until the event area is cleared which is expected Wednesday.
-Employees who work inside the secure zone should access their building through an entry point at 7th and Arch Streets.
-Access to eastbound lanes for the Ben Franklin Bridge from I-676 into New Jersey is slated to close from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
-Westbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia will remain open at this time.
-Additional temporary highway and street shutdowns and rolling road closures may be necessary on Tuesday due to public safety necessity and anticipated First Amendment demonstrations.
-Expect residual delays on surrounding roadways.
To find a list of transit changes, click here.
'The ABC News Presidential Debate | Race for the White House' will air September 10 at 9 p.m. It will air on ABC and stream on 24/7 streaming network ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.
