In an electrifying moment in American politics, Republican candidate JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz are gearing up for the highly anticipated vice presidential debate of the 2024 election. Taking place on Tuesday, October 1, at the CBS Broadcast Centre in New York City, this debate presents an opportunity for both candidates to articulate their visions for America and engage directly with each other for the first time in person. The event is not just a pivotal moment for the candidates but for the electorate as they prepare to cast votes in an increasingly complex political landscape.
Debate Format and Rules
The structure of the debate is designed to ensure that both candidates have equal opportunities to present their ideas and respond to challenges. Moderated by renowned CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell and Face the Nation’s Margaret Brennan, the 90-minute event will unfold under a set of established guidelines aimed at maintaining order and focus:
- Stage Setup: Both candidates will stand at identical lecterns—Walz on the left and Vance on the right. Each will have a notepad, a pen, and a water bottle at their disposal but will be prohibited from using pre-written notes or props, ensuring a genuine exchange of ideas.
- No Opening Statements: The debate will forgo traditional opening remarks. Instead, each candidate will have two minutes reserved for their closing statements, allowing them to summarize their key messages at the end of the debate.
- Answering Time: Candidates will have two minutes to respond to questions posed by the moderators, followed by one-minute rebuttals and additional follow-up time at the moderators’ discretion. This format encourages succinct yet thorough responses.
- Microphones: Both candidates’ microphones will remain on by default, which adds a level of immediacy to the conversation. However, CBS reserves the right to mute the microphones if deemed necessary to maintain order.
- Fact-Checking: In a departure from past debates, candidates will be responsible for fact-checking each other in real time, challenging each other’s claims without interruption from the moderators.
- No Live Audience: To focus entirely on the candidates, there will be no live audience present in the room. This will minimize distractions and promote a more intimate discussion setting.
- Questioning: Candidates will not be given questions or topics in advance, ensuring a fresh and spontaneous debate. Only the two moderators will have the authority to ask questions.
- Commercial Breaks: Interaction with campaign staff during commercial breaks is prohibited, helping to maintain the integrity of the exchange.
When is the Vice Presidential Debate?
The high-stakes debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz is set to kick off at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 1, in New York City. Given the presidential and congressional elections looming ahead, many are eager to witness how each candidate will navigate the urgent issues facing the nation.
How to Watch the Vice Presidential Debate?
For those wishing to tune in, the debate will be broadcast live on CBS, along with several other major networks including PBS, NBC, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, and MSNBC. This wide accessibility ensures that viewers from all across the political spectrum can engage with the debate and form their own opinions.
Where to Watch the Presidential Debate Live Streaming Options
Modern viewers can also catch the debate online via CBS News’s YouTube channel, CBS News 24/7, Paramount+, and C-SPAN, among various other streaming platforms. This flexibility in viewing options caters to today’s audience, allowing them to watch from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go.
(With inputs from agencies)