The upcoming vice presidential debate between Republican nominee Senator JD Vance and Democratic nominee Governor Tim Walz is set to take place on Tuesday, hosted by CBS News at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. This debate marks the first and only opportunity for the two candidates to directly engage with each other on a national stage before the election.
The debate is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET and will be moderated by CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell, along with Face the Nation moderator and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan. With the eyes of the nation upon them, Vance and Walz will have the chance to present their visions and policies to the American people in this high-stakes event.
In preparation for the debate, CBS News has outlined the rules and format that will govern the proceedings. Here are some key aspects of how the debate will be conducted:
Podium Placement and Introduction:
Walz will stand behind the podium on stage left, while Vance’s podium will be on the opposite side. They are expected to remain behind their respective podiums for the entirety of the debate. The moderators will introduce the candidates, starting with the incumbent party’s candidate, which means Walz will be introduced first.
Opening Statements:
There will be no opening statements at the beginning of the debate, allowing the candidates to dive straight into the issues and questions at hand.
Duration of the Debate:
The debate is scheduled to last for 90 minutes, starting at 9 p.m. ET. There will be two breaks of four minutes each to allow the candidates and moderators a brief pause before continuing.
Audience Presence:
Similar to the previous debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, there will be no live audience present in the studio. This decision is aimed at maintaining focus on the candidates and their responses without external distractions.
Question and Answer Format:
Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to a question posed to them, followed by a two-minute response from the other candidate. Additional one-minute rebuttals will be allowed, and the moderators may extend the discussion at their discretion. Time indicators will be visible to the candidates to help them manage their responses effectively.
Moderation and Questioning:
The moderators, O’Donnell and Brennan, will be seated and will be the sole individuals permitted to ask questions during the debate. Their role is crucial in guiding the conversation, ensuring fairness, and keeping the candidates on track.
Closing Statements:
At the conclusion of the debate, each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements. A coin toss determined the order of the closing statements, with Vance winning and choosing to go second, giving him the final opportunity to address the audience.
Microphone Control:
While CBS News reserves the right to mute the candidates’ microphones if necessary, they are expected to remain active throughout the debate. This approach allows for a more dynamic and interactive exchange between the candidates.
Preparation and Restrictions:
Candidates will not receive questions or topics in advance, maintaining the element of surprise and spontaneity in their responses. Campaign staffers are prohibited from interacting with the candidates during breaks, and the candidates are not allowed to have props or pre-written notes on stage. They will be provided with basic supplies like a pen, pad of paper, and a water bottle.
The upcoming vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz is a critical moment in the election campaign, offering voters a chance to assess the candidates’ positions, leadership styles, and readiness for the role of vice president. As the only planned debate between the two nominees, it is an opportunity for them to make their case to the American people and demonstrate their qualifications for the position.
CBS News will broadcast the debate live on Tuesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET, providing comprehensive coverage, analysis, and fact-checking. Viewers can also access live coverage and post-debate content through the free CBS News app. Stay tuned for this important event in the lead-up to the election.
