Frequently Asked Questions About VP Debate
From our Democratic Party of Oregon Chair, Dr. Rosa Colquitt:
It’s almost time for the Walz-Vance 2024 Showdown! I want to make sure that we’re there to support our candidate! In preparation for Tuesday’s October 1st event, I thought I would do a bit of fun Q&A — I hope it’s helpful if you haven’t had time to stay on top of all the national news.
When is the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance? Date, moderators, channel, and more?Ans: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance and Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz will meet for their first and only debate on Tuesday, October 1st, hosted by CBS News at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. The VP debate begins at 6 p.m. PST. (9 p.m. ET)
Who are the moderators for the October 1st vice presidential debate?Ans: The debate will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” moderator and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.
What are the rules for the debate as laid out by CBS News? How will the debate begin and who will stand where?Ans: Walz will stand behind the podium on stage left, which is the right side from the viewpoint of the moderators and on screen. Vance’s podium will be on the opposite side. Walz and Vance are to remain behind their podiums for the duration of the debate. They will be introduced by the moderators beginning with the candidate of the incumbent party, meaning Walz will be introduced first.
Will there be opening statements?Ans: No, there will be no opening statements. The debaters will kick it off right out the gate!
How long will the VP Debate last?Ans: There will be 90 minutes of debate time, starting at 6 p.m. PST, with two breaks of four minutes each.
Will there be an audience?Ans: Like the debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump in Philadelphia, there will be no audience in the studio.
Will the mics be muted while the other candidate talks?Ans: CBS News reserves the right to mute the candidates’ microphones, but otherwise they will be hot. 
How long will candidates have to answer questions?Ans: For each question, the candidate who was asked the question will have two minutes to answer, and the other candidate will be allowed two minutes to respond. Following that, each candidate will have one minute for additional rebuttals. And the moderators may, at their discretion, give candidates an additional minute each to continue a topic. . . Lights in front of each candidate will indicate how much time they have left to speak. The candidates will also each have a countdown clock. The moderators will be seated and will be the only ones in the room permitted to ask questions.
Thanks everybody! Please have fun on Tuesday cheering on our guy, VP Candidate, Governor Tim Walz! ~Rosa
