The 2024 US Vice Presidential debate between Vance and Walz is set to take place just weeks before the presidential election. Both candidates will face off in what promises to be a pivotal moment in the race to the White House. Below are the key details and insights.
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When and where is the debate?
The Vice Presidential debate will be held on Tuesday, October 1st at 9:00 PM EDT (2:00 AM BST) at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. The event will be broadcast live on CBS Network and available via streaming on CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+.
Moderators for the event are Norah O’Donnell, anchor of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, host of CBS’s Face the Nation. The debate will last 90 minutes and will feature two breaks, each four minutes long.
Debate format and rules
The format of the debate will closely follow the rules of the earlier Trump vs. Harris debate, with the exception that microphones will remain active throughout the session, even when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak. However, CBS reserves the right to mute microphones if necessary.
Unlike past Vice Presidential debates, both candidates will be standing, with Walz positioned on the left and Vance on the right. There will be no live audience or opening statements.
- Question and Answer Format: Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to questions, with an additional two minutes for rebuttals. Candidates will also be given one minute for final rebuttals.
- Closing Statements: Each candidate will deliver a two-minute closing statement, with Vance having the final word after winning a coin toss.
What are the key debate topics?
The debate is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including COVID-19 policies, education reforms, and military service records.
- Vance may target Walz for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his decision to set up hotlines for reporting violations of social distancing rules. Vance may also bring up controversial legislation signed by Walz regarding tampon dispensers in boys’ restrooms and past comments about his military experience.
- Walz, on the other hand, may challenge Vance on inflammatory remarks he made about Democratic politicians and unfounded accusations of migrants eating pets in Ohio.
How are the candidates preparing?
Both candidates have been engaging in rigorous debate preparations:
- Walz has enlisted Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary, to stand in as Vance during mock debates, while also reviewing videos of Vance’s previous performances.
- Vance is receiving support from Congressman Tom Emmer, who represents Walz’s home state, and is also practicing with his wife, Usha Vance, and Trump advisor Jason Miller.
What to watch for?
Key moments to watch include potential clashes on COVID-19 policy, where Vance is expected to criticize Walz’s strict regulations. Vance may face criticism for his controversial past comments, including a leaked message from 2020 where he expressed disappointment in Trump’s economic policies.
Expect the candidates to fact-check each other’s claims, with the moderators stepping in to facilitate when necessary.
Read also: US election polls: who is ahead – Harris or Trump?
