An intense showdown is set to unfold on Tuesday night as CBS hosts the vice presidential debate.
CBS News on Friday revealed the rules for the upcoming debate between Democratic nominee Gov. Tim Walz and Republican nominee Sen. JD Vance, as reported by ABC News.
The network stated that while the candidates' microphones will remain active, it "reserves the right to turn off candidate microphones" during the debate. This approach marks a departure from previous formats used by CNN and ABC News, where microphones were typically muted unless it was a candidate's turn to speak.
The debate will take place in New York City and will be moderated by CBS journalists Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan. Spanning 90 minutes, the event will proceed without a studio audience, mirroring the setups of CNN and ABC News debates.
Vance secured the right to choose the order of closing statements after winning a virtual coin toss and opted to speak after Walz. There will be no opening statements, and Walz will be positioned on stage left while Vance takes the stage right. Additionally, Walz will introduce first as he represents the incumbent president's party.
Each nominee is allotted two minutes to address every query, followed by their rival receiving two minutes to counter. Subsequently, both will have one minute to present rebuttals, and moderators may decide to add an extra minute to finalize a topic if required.
This debate is likely the sole onstage confrontation between the vice presidential candidates and arrives just over a month before the presidential election. Both Walz and Vance have been diligently preparing for this pivotal event.
Vance has engaged in debate preparations at his Cincinnati residence and through online sessions with his team and Jason Miller, a senior adviser from former President Donald Trump's campaign, according to sources familiar with the plans. Additionally, Ohio Senator Vance is enlisting Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to assist in rehearsals by portraying Walz during practice debates.
Walz, on the other hand, has conducted mock debates with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is acting as a stand-in for Vance. He has also participated in policy sessions with his longtime aides, Biden White House alumni, and members of the Harris-Walz campaign team.
Candidates are prohibited from bringing notes or props to the debate stage, ensuring that the focus remains solely on their verbal exchanges and policy discussions. This rule is intended to maintain the integrity and flow of the debate, allowing voters to hear directly from the candidates without external aid.
The decision to keep microphones active is a strategic one by CBS News, potentially allowing for more dynamic interactions between Walz and Vance. However, the network maintains control over the audio setup to prevent any disruptions or unintended interruptions during the debate.
The absence of a studio audience places additional emphasis on the candidates' performances and the moderators' ability to steer the conversation effectively. The format is designed to foster a controlled environment where the candidates can present their platforms and respond to each other's viewpoints comprehensively.
The vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News will feature Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance under newly established guidelines. With active microphones and a structured format, the debate aims to provide a clear platform for both candidates to articulate their visions ahead of the presidential election. As the only onstage encounter between the vice nominees, this event is poised to play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions in the final month of the campaign.
