Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance are set to participate in their first and only vice presidential debate. Walz, running alongside Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, and Vance, on the Republican ticket with former President Donald Trump, will present their cases for their respective candidates just five weeks before Election Day. They have been actively campaigning across the nation, focusing on crucial battleground states that will play a significant role in determining the election outcome.
The 90-minute debate is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. EDT on Oct. 1 and will be moderated by Norah O’Donnell from “CBS Evening News” and Margaret Brennan from CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
CBS News will broadcast the debate live on its network and will also livestream it on various platforms where CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ are accessible. The debate is open for simulcast, and it is anticipated that other networks will also air it.
The vice-presidential debate will take place in New York City, a city often associated with fundraising events for candidates of both parties. Despite New York traditionally leaning Democratic in general elections, Trump has campaigned intensively in the state, aiming to secure Republican support. Meanwhile, Harris has opted to skip the annual Al Smith dinner in New York City, choosing instead to campaign in a critical battleground state.
Both Walz and Vance are actively preparing for this significant debate, with stand-ins role-playing as their opponents during practice sessions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is assisting Walz with debate preparations, while GOP Rep. Tom Emmer is aiding Vance in his preparations.
No further presidential or vice presidential debates are currently scheduled, though this could change. After the previous presidential debate between Harris and Trump, Harris expressed willingness to engage in another debate with Trump, but the timing and format remain uncertain, especially with early voting already underway in some states.
This year’s presidential election cycle is distinctive in its approach to debates, with networks orchestrating the events rather than the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. The number of debates and their structure are evolving, with candidates navigating unprecedented challenges in the campaign process.
