Washington, D.C. – In a highly anticipated showdown, Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are set to engage in the sole vice-presidential debate ahead of the upcoming November election. As relative newcomers to the national political arena, both candidates are aiming to solidify their positions and sway voters with their insights and policies.
While Governor Walz is known within political circles, his name carries less recognition outside of his home state of Minnesota. As the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz steps onto the debate stage with a wealth of experience and an opportunity to introduce himself to a broader audience.
Senator Vance, renowned for his bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” entered the political scene more recently, securing his first elected position in 2022 before being chosen as the running mate for former President Donald Trump. This debate presents a crucial platform for him to showcase his views on key issues facing the nation.
The vice-presidential debate is scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, running for 90 minutes, mirroring the length of the previous presidential debates. Moderated by CBS anchors Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, the debate will delve into critical topics, allowing both candidates to articulate their stances on various issues.
Taking place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, the debate location holds significance, given Trump’s ties to the city before his move to Florida. Despite facing a historically Democratic stronghold in New York, Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to secure victory in the state against current President Joe Biden.
The debate rules dictate a structured format, with two four-minute commercial breaks and restrictions on candidate interactions with campaign staff during breaks. Without an audience present, the focus remains solely on the candidates’ responses to the questions posed by the moderators, ensuring an in-depth exploration of their policies and viewpoints.
Unlike the presidential debates, candidates will not be muted when their opponents speak, with CBS News holding the authority to intervene if necessary. With a virtual coin toss determining the order of closing statements, both Vance and Walz will have the opportunity to convey their final thoughts to viewers before the debate concludes.