The 2024 vice presidential debate takes place Tuesday on CBS. Here's how you can see it live

Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz will soon face off in their first and perhaps only live televised debate at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. According to experts, this moment could decide the 2024 presidential election for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

Polls show the race is extremely close this year, with swings in key battleground states. With such a narrow margin of victory, Democratic Gov. Walz of Minnesota and Republican Sen. Vance of Ohio face off in what may be the most consequential vice presidential debate in modern U.S. history.

Here’s what we know about Tuesday’s vice presidential debate between Walz and Vance, including how to watch it live and the rules each candidate must follow.

Who are the moderators of the October 1st Vice Presidential Debate?

The debate will be moderated by Norah O’Donnell, anchor and editor-in-chief of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, host of “Face the Nation” and outside correspondent for CBS News, the network announced last month.

When does the debate start?

The vice president debate is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 1 at 9 p.m. ET.

The story continues after the photo gallery.

How long will the debate last?

90 minutes, with two breaks of a few minutes each.

Will there be a live audience?

No, there will be no live audience during the VP debate, which will include Vance, Walz and two moderators who will initially introduce Walz as the incumbent party’s vice presidential candidate.

Will the candidates be sitting or standing?

Historically, the two vice presidential candidates sit at vice presidential debates. But unlike before, Vance and Walz will stand behind the podiums and the two moderators will sit. Walz is positioned on the right side of the television screen and Vance is positioned on the left.

Can moderators turn off the microphones?

Yes, CBS News reserves the right to turn off contestants’ microphones if the anchors deem it necessary.

However, the microphones will remain active during Tuesday’s debate, according to debate rules released Friday by CBS News and agreed to by both campaigns. It marks a departure from the Sept. 10 presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, whose microphones were muted.

Others read:What’s it like debating JD Vance? We asked the only Democrat who did that.

How much time do candidates have to answer questions?

CBS anchors ask questions to each candidate, who has two minutes to answer – the other candidate gets two minutes to answer. The first candidate then has one minute to provide further rebuttals.

From there, moderators have the opportunity to extend the discussion by giving candidates an additional minute to speak.

Others read:What’s it like debating Tim Walz?

Will candidates be notified when their time is up?

Yes. Lights in the studio alert candidates to how much time they have left to answer a question.

The lights will remain green until there are 15 seconds left. During this period, the lights will turn yellow for five seconds and begin flashing red five seconds after that. After the time has elapsed, they then switch to solid red light.

Will there be final statements?

Yes, both candidates have two minutes to make a closing statement. Vance chose to make his final statement second to Walz after winning a coin toss on Thursday that decided the order.

Do candidates have any questions in advance?

No. Questions are decided by the moderators, with no topics or questions shared with campaigns or candidates in advance.

What about notes and props?

Candidates are not permitted to have pre-written notes or supplies during the debate, but are provided with a pen, pad of paper and bottle of water.

Campaign staff will not be allowed to interact with candidates during the two breaks.

Here’s how to watch Tuesday’s Oct. 1 vice presidential debate

The debate will be moderated by CBS News and is scheduled to begin October 1 at 9 p.m. ET.

It will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live on all platforms where CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ are available. The debate will also be available as a simulcast, CBS announced.

The 2024 vice presidential debate takes place Tuesday on CBS. Here’s how you can see it live

Recent Posts