So, you're looking for the specifics on the showdown. Politics is getting pretty wild these days, and honestly, the vice presidential face-off is often where the real gloves come off. People keep asking me, what time is the Walz Vance debate, and it’s a fair question because these schedules change like the weather.
The big event is set for 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
That’s the "official" start. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at 6:00 PM PT. For the folks in the middle of the country, it hits at 8:00 PM CT. CBS News is the host this time around, and they aren't messing around with the production. They’re broadcasting live from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. Specifically, it’s happening in Studio 45—which is kinda cool if you're a TV nerd, since that’s where Captain Kangaroo used to film way back in the day.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
You’ve got Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance going head-to-head for 90 minutes. It’s not just an hour; they’re packing a full hour and a half of policy and probably a fair amount of personal jabs into that window.
Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan are the moderators. They are both heavy hitters at CBS. O’Donnell anchors the CBS Evening News, and Brennan runs Face the Nation. They’ve basically said they want to stay out of the way and let the candidates do the talking, though they’ve reserved the right to step in if things go off the rails.
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Where Can You Actually Watch It?
Basically everywhere. Even though CBS is the primary host, they’re letting everyone else simulcast it. This means you don't necessarily need a fancy cable package to catch the action.
- Broadcast TV: ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC will all carry it live.
- Cable News: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NewsNation are all in.
- Streaming: This is the easiest way for most. You can find it on Paramount+, the CBS News app, and even the CBS News YouTube channel for free.
- Other Platforms: PBS News and C-SPAN will also have it without the commentary breaks if you just want the pure debate experience.
There’s a weird rule for this one: the microphones won't be muted by default. In the previous presidential debates, they shut the mics off to prevent people from talking over each other. This time? They’re staying "hot." CBS said they might kill the audio if someone starts screaming, but otherwise, you’re going to hear every sigh and interruption.
Why This Specific Debate Matters
Most people think the VP debate doesn't change much. Usually, they're right. But 2024 is different. With the race being as tight as it is, every single point of contact with voters counts. Walz is trying to keep that "Midwestern dad" energy going, while Vance is aiming to solidify his spot as the intellectual engine of the MAGA movement.
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They won't have an audience. No clapping, no booing. Just two guys, two moderators, and a lot of cameras in a quiet room. It’s a high-pressure environment that reveals a lot about a person's temperament. They also aren't allowed to bring pre-written notes. Just a pad of paper, a pen, and a bottle of water. That’s it.
What To Watch For During The 90 Minutes
Keep an eye on the "rebuttal" segments. Each candidate gets two minutes to answer a direct question and two minutes to respond to the other guy. Then there’s a one-minute rebuttal period. That’s usually where the most viral moments happen.
If you're wondering what time is the Walz Vance debate because you want to catch the ending, JD Vance won the coin toss, so he gets the last word. He chose to give his closing statement second.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to be fully prepared for Tuesday night, here is what you should do:
- Check your local listings: If you're using an antenna, make sure your CBS affiliate signal is strong.
- Set a reminder for 8:50 PM ET: The pre-shows usually start an hour early, but the actual debate kicks off right at 9:00 PM.
- Charge your devices: If you're planning to follow along on social media or scan the CBS QR code for live fact-checking, make sure your phone is ready to go.
- Download a streaming app: If you don't have cable, download the CBS News app or PBS app on your smart TV now so you aren't fumbling with logins when the debate starts.
The 2024 election is moving fast, and this 90-minute window is the only time these two are scheduled to meet. Make sure you're tuned in to see how they handle the heat.