The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drew an estimated 67.1 million viewers across 17 networks, significantly surpassing the 51.3 million who watched Trump debate President Biden in June. Despite this viewership being lower than previous records set in 2016 and 2020, it marked the highest audience for a debate this year. The debate featured intense exchanges, with Harris perceived to have outperformed Trump, who faced criticism for false statements that were fact-checked by moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. The event's stakes were heightened due to the recent political climate, following Biden's withdrawal from the race after his poor performance in his last debate. Harris's campaign has expressed interest in a second debate, though Trump has not committed to one. The next scheduled debate will see Trump's running mate, JD Vance, face off against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on October 1.