Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance are set to hold their only scheduled vice-presidential debate on Tuesday.
The pair will face off just a few weeks after former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris sparred at the ABC News presidential debate.
The vice-presidential debate is a chance for both Walz and Vance to show their political chops, tout their running mates’ plans for the nation and introduce themselves to Americans after months spent crisscrossing the country campaigning.
Republican Vice Presidential nominee Senator JD Vance speaks at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona, Sept. 5, 2024. | Vice President candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a rally at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 12, 2024.
Go Nakamura/Reuters | Brett Farmer/Shutterstock
Here’s what to know about the debate and how to tune in.
How to watch the debate
The vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News is set for 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 1 in New York City.
The 90-minute debate will air on CBS and be simulcast on the ABC network and stream on ABC News Live.
ABC pre-debate coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET; post-debate ABC News coverage will go on until 11 p.m. ET.
ABC News Live, ABC News’ 24/7 streaming news channel, will provide full coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET and run through 12 a.m. ET.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance speaks to supporters during a campaign event at the Northwestern Michigan Fair grounds on Sept. 25, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Who is moderating the VP debate?
The debate will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.
VP debate rules
CBS News announced the debate rules on Friday.
The Walz-Vance debate, like the Harris-Trump debate, will be in a studio without an audience but unlike that debate, the candidates’ mics will not be routinely muted when it’s not their turn to speak — but the moderators will retain the ability to do so.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks to a gathered crowd of supporters during a campaign rally at the Highmark Amphitheater on Sept. 5, 2024, in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
How are the candidates preparing?
To prepare for the debate, Vance has turned to Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to help him in debate rehearsals by playing Walz, sources told ABC News. The Ohio senator has also had sessions with his team and Jason Miller, a senior advisor on Trump’s campaign.
Also, Vance has spent the last month reviewing debate plans, strategies and potential questions, according to a source familiar with the senator’s debate preparations.
Walz has also held some mock debates with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acting as a Vance stand-in, sources told ABC News. Walz has also held policy sessions with his own longtime aides, Biden White House alumni and members of the Harris-Walz campaign team.
Walz has also been practicing on the road as he campaigns, sources said.
The highly anticipated vice presidential debate between incumbent Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is set to take place tonight. The debate, which will be moderated by USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page, is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, racial justice, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For those looking to tune in and watch the debate, there are several options available. The debate will be broadcast live on all major television networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. Additionally, it will be live-streamed on various online platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
The debate is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM ET and will run for 90 minutes without commercial breaks. Both candidates will have the opportunity to make opening statements, respond to questions from the moderator, and engage in direct exchanges with each other.
To make the most of watching the debate, here are a few tips:
1. Set aside time to watch the debate uninterrupted. Turn off any distractions, such as phones or other devices, to fully focus on the candidates’ responses and arguments.
2. Take notes on key points made by each candidate. This will help you remember important details and arguments made during the debate.
3. Pay attention to body language and non-verbal cues. Sometimes what is not said can be just as telling as what is said.
4. After the debate, consider watching or reading analysis from political commentators to gain further insights into the candidates’ performances.
Overall, the vice presidential debate is an important event in the lead-up to the November election. By tuning in and staying informed, viewers can make more informed decisions when it comes time to cast their vote. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for what is sure to be a lively and informative debate tonight.
