Walz and Vance face off in the first vice presidential debate

WASHINGTON (AP/AZFamily) – Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet Tuesday for their first and possibly only vice presidential debate, in what could be the last debate for both campaigns to make their case before the election.

The debate in New York, hosted by CBS News and broadcast on television group and streaming platforms Arizona’s Family, will give Vance, a Republican primary senator from Ohio, and Walz, a Democratic governor in Minnesota, a chance to to present himself. , make arguments for their running mates and go on the attack against the opposing ticket.

“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan moderate the 90-minute event. There will be no audience, no set notes, no staff interactions during the two commercial breaks, and no opening statements.

Viewers will also be able to hear any out-of-line comments unless the moderators decide to mute the microphones.

Will there be a live check of the VP debate?

CBS says its moderators won’t be fact-checking, leaving that up to the candidates.

However, the Arizona Family Investigation Unit will verify answers online and in real-time, giving the public unparalleled, transparent access to the direct sources of answers and where the original claims came from. The Arizona family vetted both campaigns this election cycle as part of its commitment to holding those in power accountable.

Tuesday’s showdown could have a huge impact

Polls have shown Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked in a tight race, giving more weight to anything that can influence fringe voters, including the impression left by the vice presidential candidates.

This debate could also be the last of the campaign, with the Harris and Trump teams unable to agree on another meeting.

A presidential running mate’s role is usually to serve as an attack dog for the person at the top of the ticket, arguing against the opposing presidential candidate and his proxy on stage. Both Vance and Walz embraced this role.

How do candidates prepare?

Walz and Vance will meet for the first time in person on the biggest stage of their political careers. Both were engaged in debate preparations with surrogates used for their opponents.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg played Vance in preparation for the Walz debate, which took place at a downtown Minneapolis hotel, according to a person familiar with the preparations. The person said Buttigieg was chosen because he is a sharp communicator, and the campaign believes Vance will be a formidable opponent.

On the Republican side, a person familiar with Vance’s preparations said GOP Rep. Tom Emmer — who, like Walz, is from Minnesota — would be replaced by the Democrat in a similar fashion. Those briefed on both candidates’ plans spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door preparations.

The stakes are high for CBS News

It’s a big time for CBS News, long stuck in third place in the evening news ratings. O’Donnell has just announced that he is stepping down from the role. Brennan is considered a rising star.

CBS’ “60 Minutes” is trying to woo both Harris and Trump for back-to-back interviews to air Oct. 7, but neither candidate has yet committed.

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