Janice R. Andrews
As the 2024 election season reaches its crescendo, all eyes are on the upcoming vice-presidential debate between Republican Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Scheduled for October 1st and hosted by CBS News, this face-off marks the sole opportunity for voters to see these running mates in direct confrontation before the November 5th Election Day.
With tensions already high and verbal jabs flying, the stage is set for an electrifying exchange that could reshape the race’s narrative. While the debate format largely mirrors previous presidential showdowns, CBS has introduced some intriguing tweaks to ensure a smooth yet dynamic event—most notably, keeping the candidates’ microphones live throughout the entire proceedings.
Let’s dive into the rules and format for this highly anticipated debate.
Microphones: Always On, Always Hot
In perhaps the most talked-about rule change, both Vance and Walz will have their microphones turned on for the full 90-minute debate, even during their opponent’s speaking time. This marks a departure from recent debates where mics were muted to prevent interruptions. CBS, however, retains the authority to cut the audio if necessary to maintain order.
This shift addresses a contentious point from the earlier Harris-Trump presidential debate, where the merits of allowing interruptions versus enforcing muting were hotly debated. While President Biden had initially advocated for muting to ensure civility, this new approach seems to favor spontaneity and unfiltered dialogue—or confrontation.
An Empty House: No Live Audience
Continuing a trend seen in recent presidential debates, CBS has opted for a debate without a live audience. This decision aims to minimize distractions and create a more controlled environment for the candidates. By eliminating audience reactions, which can sway perceptions, CBS hopes to focus viewers’ attention squarely on the candidates and their messages.
Standing Tall: Return to Lecterns
For the first time since 2008, the vice-presidential hopefuls will stand at identical lecterns throughout the debate. This marks a shift from recent years when candidates were seated. Vance will take his position on the right side of the stage, with Walz on the left.
Each candidate will be equipped with just the basics: a pen, a notepad, and a water bottle. Props and pre-written notes are strictly off-limits, ensuring a level playing field.
Straight to Business: No Opening Statements
Mirroring recent presidential debate formats, neither candidate will deliver opening statements. Instead, they’ll wrap up the event with two-minute closing remarks. A coin toss on Thursday determined that Vance would have the last word, speaking second in the closing statements.
CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell and Face the Nation’s Margaret Brennan will moderate, introducing Tim Walz first as the incumbent party’s representative. The debate will then proceed with candidates answering questions, each given two minutes per response. A one-minute rebuttal opportunity follows, with moderators able to extend responses by an additional minute if deemed necessary.
No Direct Candidate-to-Candidate Questions
One rule remains unchanged: candidates cannot pose direct questions to each other. While this might disappoint viewers hoping for a more confrontational exchange, CBS emphasizes that moderator-led questions allow for a more structured and informative debate.
To maintain spontaneity, neither the topics nor the questions will be shared with the candidates in advance.
Commercial Breaks: No Strategy Sessions
The 90-minute debate will include two commercial breaks, a familiar format from previous debates. However, candidates are prohibited from consulting with their campaign staff during these pauses, preventing mid-debate strategy adjustments or appearance touch-ups.
The Potential Impact: A Game-Changer?
With early voting already underway in some states, this debate could be the final push needed to sway undecided voters. Vance and Walz have not shied away from personal attacks throughout the campaign. Walz famously called Vance “weird” in a viral interview, while Vance has criticized Walz’s military service, particularly his retirement timing from the Minnesota National Guard.
This debate offers both candidates a platform to address these personal and policy criticisms while making their final pitch to the American public. As the last major debate before Election Day, it has the potential to significantly shape the closing chapter of the 2024 election.
With microphones on and no audience present, the debate promises an unfiltered showdown between two prominent voices in their respective parties. For voters, the burning question remains: who will make the stronger impression and potentially sway the crucial undecided electorate?
