VP Debate: Watch Tim Walz and JD Vance face off live

JD Vance and Tim Walz will meet for their first and possibly only vice presidential debate on Tuesday night. This could be the last opportunity for both campaigns to make their case before the election.

The debate in New York, moderated by CBS News, will give Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, and Walz, a two-term Democratic governor of Minnesota, a chance to introduce themselves, support their running mate and attack the opposing candidacy.

While vice presidential debates typically have little impact on election results, Tuesday's debate could have a larger impact. It offers both campaigns a final opportunity to win over undecided voters and make a lasting impression through their vice presidential candidates. This could also be the last debate of the race, as the Harris and Trump teams have not agreed to another meeting.

Watch live

The debate will be broadcast live on CBS and will be simulcast on other major news networks. Watch the event Newsweek via the video above.

When is the vice president debate?

The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump's running mate will air on October 1 at 9 p.m. ET.

Where will the debate be filmed?

The debate will take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in midtown Manhattan. CBS anchor and editor-in-chief Norah O'Donnell and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan will moderate.

What are the rules of today's debate?

There will be no opening remarks or a live audience, similar to the Harris-Trump debate in Philadelphia. However, unlike this debate, the candidates' microphones will remain on, with CBS reserving the right to mute them if necessary.

Each candidate has two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for an answer and a possible one-minute rebuttal. Moderators can provide additional time if necessary. Candidates are timed using lights and countdown clocks.

Only the moderators sitting at the front ask questions. Candidates are not given questions or topics in advance, and campaign staff cannot interact with them during breaks. No props or pre-written notes are allowed. Each candidate only receives a pen, a pad and a water bottle.

Walz will stand at the podium on the left of the stage, with Vance on the right. Both candidates remained behind their podium positions throughout the entire 90-minute debate.

JD Vance vs. Tim Walz: Debate Styles

Although Vance is relatively new to politics compared to his opponents, he has quickly established himself as a competent debater. He is known for his aggressive tactics and his ability to use criticism to his advantage.

In debates, including his matchup with Tim Ryan in 2022, Vance has shown a knack for keeping opponents off balance by refocusing their attacks. Ryan called Vance “competent” and highlighted Vance's tactical and strategic approach to debates during an appearance on Slate What's next? Podcast.

Vance has earned a reputation for shifting the narrative in his favor by reframing criticism – a technique Ryan has experienced firsthand. Ryan praised Vance's ability to “say whatever he has to say in order to evolve,” indicating a flexible and opportunistic approach to public discourse, regardless of the veracity of his statements.

Since joining Trump, Vance has become a prominent “attack dog” for the Republican campaign, often targeting Democrats and defending Trump against criticism. He'll likely bring that aggressive style to the stage during Tuesday's debate.

Speaking to reporters last week, Vance said he didn't need to “prepare as much” for the debate because he had “well-developed views on public policy.”

On the other hand, Walz is less known for his debating skills. Although he has experience as a two-term governor, his debate appearances rely more on his approachable, folksy demeanor. Walz is quick to defuse difficult questions, although he can find it difficult to control his temper when his record is under pressure.

Critics have occasionally described his answers in debates and press appearances as “word salad,” suggesting that his answers are unclear and do not always reach a clear point.

Walz has been practicing diligently, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg serving as Vance. Others helping with the preparations include Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique, who helped Harris prepare for her debate with Trump, as well as other aides from Walz and the campaign.

What's at stake for JD Vance and Tim Walz?

Historically, vice presidential debates have had minimal impact on election results, and the campaigns of JD Vance and Tim Walz have managed expectations leading up to their debate.

Despite some memorable moments from past vice presidential debates, research shows that vice presidential candidates tend to have limited influence on voter decisions.

Still, the debate offers viewers a glimpse into the two campaigns' competing strategies, with each candidate aiming to increase their chances of winning the White House. Because running mates often serve as “attack dogs” in campaigns, Vance and Walz are expected to take on that role and aggressively pursue the opposing ticket.