Tonight, Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will take the stage for the only scheduled vice presidential debate ahead of the November 2024 election. Both Vance and Walz are relatively new to the national stage, and this debate will offer them a critical opportunity to showcase their leadership and policies to a broader audience.
While Walz has served in politics for years, his profile was largely limited to Minnesota before joining the Democratic ticket as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. On the other hand, Vance, the well-known author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” was first elected to office in 2022, making this one of his highest-profile political engagements since being chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate.
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Key Details About the Debate
Debate Time and Duration
The debate will begin at 9 p.m. ET and is set to last for 90 minutes, concluding at 10:30 p.m. ET. This is the same duration as the two previous presidential debates.
Who’s Moderating?
The debate will be moderated by two of CBS News’ top journalists: “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan. Both are experienced moderators known for their deep knowledge of U.S. politics and global affairs.
Location of the Debate
The debate will take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. Notably, Trump, a former New York City resident, has emphasized his connection to the city despite relocating to Florida in 2019. During a campaign event, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to win New York, stating, “I can win New York, and we can win New York.”
Rules of the Debate
The candidates will follow a strict 90-minute format, including two commercial breaks. Interaction with campaign staff is prohibited during these breaks. There will be no audience present, a rule that was also applied during the presidential debates.
Each candidate will be given two minutes to respond to questions and another two minutes to provide rebuttals. Rebuttals are capped at one minute, with moderators allowed to extend discussions by an additional minute at their discretion. While microphones will remain on throughout the debate, CBS reserves the right to mute them if necessary.
Interestingly, unlike the presidential debates, the microphones will not automatically be muted when the other candidate is speaking. Vance, who won a virtual coin toss, opted to deliver his closing remarks second.
Viewing Options for the Debate
For viewers with cable, CBS will begin its coverage at 8 p.m. ET on all CBS stations and affiliates. Additionally, the debate can be streamed on various platforms, including the CBS News app, Paramount+, CBSNews.com, and YouTube. Coverage on CBS News 24/7 will begin as early as 4 p.m. ET for those looking for in-depth analysis and commentary leading up to the event.
A Crucial Moment for the Candidates
Tonight’s debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz offers voters a key opportunity to understand where each vice-presidential candidate stands on the pressing issues of the election. With both candidates relatively new to the national political scene, their performances could play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions heading into November. Both will be looking to demonstrate their leadership abilities and provide clear visions for the future, making this a pivotal moment in the 2024 campaign.
