2024 Vice Presidential Debate Date: What to Expect as Tim Walz and JD Vance Go Head-to-Head
The much-anticipated vice president debate date for the 2024 election is fast approaching. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance will meet for the only scheduled vice presidential debate before November’s general election. This is a major event in the campaign season, giving the nation a rare opportunity to see both vice-presidential candidates go head-to-head on important issues.
While presidential debates often take the spotlight, the role of the vice president is crucial. This debate will allow voters to better understand who Walz and Vance are, what they stand for, and how they might complement their running mates in the White House.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know ahead of the big vice president debate date, including details about the candidates, the debate format, and how you can tune in to watch.
Meet the Candidates: Tim Walz and JD Vance
Ahead of the vice president debate date, it’s helpful to get familiar with both candidates vying for the nation’s second-highest office.
Tim Walz, the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris, has had a long and distinguished career in public service. Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over a decade before being elected Governor of Minnesota. While his experience in Minnesota politics is well-known, he is relatively unfamiliar to many voters across the nation. This debate offers Walz the chance to introduce himself to a wider audience and show why he’s ready to serve on a national level.
JD Vance represents the opposite end of the political spectrum. Known initially as the author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, Vance transitioned into politics when he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. His rapid rise to prominence caught the attention of Donald Trump, who selected him as his running mate. Vance is still relatively new to the political scene, which makes this debate a significant moment for him to solidify his platform and win over undecided voters.
When and Where Is the Vice Presidential Debate?
The official vice president debate date is Tuesday, October 3rd, 2024. The debate will begin at 9 p.m. ET and is scheduled to last for 90 minutes, ending at 10:30 p.m. ET. This is the only vice presidential debate before the November election, so it’s a critical opportunity for both candidates to make their mark.
The debate will be held at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, a symbolic location given Donald Trump’s long history with the city before relocating his primary residence to Florida in 2019. Despite New York’s strong Democratic lean, Trump has expressed optimism about winning the state this year, making the location of the debate even more intriguing.
The Debate Format and What to Expect
The vice president debate date will follow a structured format to ensure each candidate has ample time to present their case.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rules and format:
- The debate will be 90 minutes long with two short commercial breaks.
- There will be no opening statements.
- Candidates will have two minutes to answer each question, followed by two minutes for rebuttals.
- At the discretion of the moderators, candidates may receive an additional minute for further discussion.
- Unlike the presidential debates, microphones will not be muted while an opponent is speaking, though CBS News reserves the right to cut them off if necessary.
A coin toss determined that JD Vance will have the last word with his closing statement. Both candidates will get two minutes each for their final remarks.
Why the Vice President Debate Date Matters
You might be wondering why this debate holds such importance in the election. While presidential candidates generally take center stage, the vice-presidential debate is crucial for understanding the complete leadership package a candidate offers. The vice president debate date provides insight into how these candidates would handle critical issues if they were ever called to lead.
For Tim Walz, this debate is his moment to shine on a national stage. Although he’s well-known in Minnesota, many voters outside the state don’t know much about him. Walz needs to use this debate to demonstrate that he’s more than a regional politician, showing that he has the skills, vision, and leadership to step into the role of vice president.
For JD Vance, the stakes are equally high. As a newcomer to politics, Vance has to prove that he’s capable of more than following in Trump’s footsteps. He must showcase his own policies and ability to lead, independent of Trump’s influence. This debate is his chance to establish himself as a force in national politics.
Where to Watch the Vice Presidential Debate
On the vice president debate date, viewers will have several options to tune in and watch this highly anticipated event.
If you prefer traditional TV, CBS will begin its coverage at 8 p.m. ET with pre-debate analysis. The debate itself starts at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on CBS stations nationwide.
For those without cable, don’t worry—you can still catch the debate. It will be streamed on the CBS News app (available on smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets), Paramount+, and on CBS News’ YouTube channel. These platforms provide easy, free access, so you won’t miss any of the action.
Moderators of the Vice Presidential Debate
The moderators for the vice president debate date are two well-respected journalists from CBS News:
- Norah O’Donnell, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News.
- Margaret Brennan, host of Face the Nation and CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent.
Both moderators are experienced in handling high-stakes political discussions and are expected to steer the debate toward substantive issues that matter to voters.
Looking Ahead: What Happens After the Debate?
Following the vice president debate date, analysts and political commentators will dissect the performance of both candidates. Their ability to stay composed under pressure, articulate their platforms, and respond to their opponent will all factor into public perception moving forward. This single event could prove decisive in swaying undecided voters or even energizing their respective bases.
For Walz, his performance will likely determine how voters see him beyond Minnesota, whether he can step into a larger role on the national stage. Vance, meanwhile, must show he’s more than just a political newcomer and prove that he has the gravitas to serve as the vice president.
Final Thoughts on the Vice President Debate Date
As we gear up for the vice president debate date on October 3rd, there’s no doubt that this event will play a crucial role in the 2024 election. Both candidates have a lot to prove, and with only one debate, they must make every second count.
Whether you’re firmly aligned with a party or still weighing your options, this debate offers an invaluable opportunity to assess the leadership qualities of Tim Walz and JD Vance. Make sure to tune in and witness what is sure to be a defining moment in the 2024 race.
