Sep 27, 2024 - Politics & Policy

What to know about rules for the VP debate

April Rubin

A collage of two images, one of Tim Walz and the other of JD Vance — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (left) speaks during a campaign rally at Temple University on Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. Sen. JD Vance (right) attends the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15 in Milwaukee. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The 90-minute vice presidential debate on Tuesday will start at 9pm ET, without a studio audience, and the candidates' mics will not be muted, CBS News said on Friday.

Why it matters: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee, will debate for the first and only time this campaign cycle.

The debate, moderated by CBS "Evening News" host Norah O'Donnell and "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan, will have two four-minute breaks.

The fine print: The candidate asked a question will have two minutes to answer, and his opponent will have two minutes to respond.

An additional minute per candidate for rebuttals will follow.
Moderators may choose to give candidates an additional minute each to keep discussing a topic.
Neither candidate will deliver opening statements, but both will have two minutes each for closing statements. Vance, via coin toss, elected to go second.

Zoom in: Walz will be introduced first, as the candidate of the incumbent party.

Both candidates will remain behind their podiums for the entire debate.
Walz's podium will be on stage left, which will be on the right for viewers and moderators. Vance will be on the opposite side.

Behind the scenes: Both mics will be on during the entire debate, unless CBS News opts to mute them.

Candidates and campaign staffers cannot interact during breaks.

Go deeper: X suspends journalist who shared leaked Vance docs

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What to know about rules for the VP debate

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