It’s debate night in Philadelphia, the center of the national political scene.

Philadelphians have always known that our city is the center of the universe. For today and the next 55 days, just like everyone else.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will meet Tuesday night for a debate so historic and potentially pivotal that it’s nearly impossible to describe in a single sentence how unprecedented this debate is. The presidential candidates will face off in what will likely be their only debate at one of our city’s proudest landmarks, the National Constitution Center, overlooking Independence Hall and the birthplace of American democracy.

It will be a night of symbolism, and it’s just the latest in a series of historic political events to unfold here. Both candidates held rallies in Philadelphia. Their surrogates effectively camped in the city and surrounding counties. Shortly after their surprise nominations, Harris introduced her vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at Temple University.

Both sides are mobilizing ahead of the debate, emphasizing how each campaign sees the city moving forward. Election watch parties are being held in and around Philadelphia, and the DNC is plastering the city with billboards. There will be a giant IUD on Independence Mall. Protesters are likely to descend, and Mummers are being bused in from South Philly bars in full gear to greet Trump.

The streets will be filled with television broadcast vans and media representatives from around the world, who have come to cover the debate that could decide the course of the presidential campaign.

» READ MORE: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare for their first debate in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s at stake.

Perhaps all of this was expected. Philadelphia is the largest city in what is arguably the most critical swing state—a tiny town of 1.6 million with a huge problem.

For some city leaders, the debate is an opportunity to showcase the city to a national audience that may know Philadelphia only for the aspects of its reputation they are trying to repair.

Asked about last week’s debate, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a Democrat, said she wanted guests and viewers to see the city as a up-to-date, working-class city that strives to improve public safety, cleanliness, and economic opportunities.

“I always say, ‘Don’t listen to what I say, watch what I do,’” she said. “I want people to see who we are. See Who We If.”

Who are we? City Council member Isaiah Thomas said simply, “We are making history here.”

“We hosted the first Continental Congress and were the original capital of the country,” he said. “We have our own language, culture, culinary traditions and swag. We love our sports teams, our historic sites, our artists and the feel of our neighborhood.”

» READ MORE: Your guide to the debates in Philadelphia and the suburbs on Tuesday, when Trump and Harris will face off

The city is of course no stranger to presidential politics and the national media circus. Four years ago, in Northeast Philadelphia, where the former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is famous for hosting a pro-Trump press conference at a lawn care company and sowing doubts about the integrity of an election that judges across the country have found to be fair.

And that was outside the Convention Center in the heart of Center City, where activists on both sides stood for days as election workers counted votes. Some cheered “count every vote,” while others jeered “stop the count.” Some danced and wore costumes, some played instruments, and some shouted profanities. Many kept their distance — this was the middle of a pandemic.

This time, the national media is catching our city in a good mood. We’ve largely emerged from the pandemic and the sense of chaos it created. Gun violence is down significantly. On a much more superficial level, but still undeniably taxing, the Birds won their first game of the season and Kyle Schwarber can’t stop hitting homeruns.

This week and through November 5, both campaigns will devote unlimited resources to try to gain traction in Philadelphia.

Trump’s party is hoping to turn out more minority voters than it did during his last two presidential campaigns. Trump has made clear he sees opportunity for growth in Philadelphia.

» READ MORE: Philadelphia hosted a presidential debate 48 years ago. Hopefully this one will be better.

Supporters of the former president in the city say they will show up. A pro-Trump motorcade is expected to drive through the city. Joe Mirarchi, a South Philly resident and Mummer, has teamed up with other Mummers club leaders to offer shuttles from Tankie’s Tavern, Brothers Two Lounge and Big Charlie’s Saloon north to the starting point.

They’ll be taking the bus to a pre-Eagles game party.

“Anyone who supports President Trump,” Mirarchi said, “let’s welcome him to Philadelphia.”

As for Harris, her campaign is aiming to secure key Pennsylvania, in part by boosting turnout in a city where Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans — but where turnout has fallen in recent elections. Democrats, including Parker, are inviting Philadelphians to watch parties on Harris’ behalf.

“Having a debate here will generate interest and hopefully increase voter turnout,” said City Councilman Mark Squilla, a Democrat whose district includes the Constitution Center. “When Philadelphia has high turnout, it often dictates where the state goes.”

Inquirer staff writers Jesse Bunch and Julia Terruso contributed to this article.