Watch Live: JD Vance and Tim Walz Face Off on Abortion and Economy in VP debate

JD Vance and Tim Walz met on Tuesday night for their first and only vice presidential debate that doubled as one of the final opportunities for both campaigns to make their case before the election.
The debate in New York, hosted by CBS News, gave Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, and Walz, a two-term Democratic governor of Minnesota, the chance to introduce themselves, support their running mates, and attack the opposing ticket.
While vice-presidential debates typically have little effect on election outcomes, Tuesday’s debate could have a greater impact. It offers both campaigns a final opportunity to sway undecided voters and make a lasting impression through their vice-presidential candidates – both of whom, voters say, they don’t know enough about.
This may also be the last debate of the race, as the Harris and Trump teams have not agreed on another meeting.
The first hour of the debate delivered a robust policy debate on issues ranging from manufacturing policy to border security, with the candidates clashing on the issues but mostly staying away from interrupting each other.
The debate is being broadcast live on CBS and simulcast across other major news networks.
The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s running mates began at 9 p.m. ET on October 1.
The debate is taking place at the CBS Broadcast Center in Midtown Manhattan. CBS anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan are the moderators.
There were no opening statements or a live audience, similar to the Harris-Trump debate in Philadelphia. However, unlike that debate, candidates’ microphones are staying hot, with CBS reserving the right to mute them if necessary.
Each candidate was given two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for a response and a potential one-minute rebuttal. Moderators may grant additional time if needed. Candidates will be timed using lights and countdown clocks.
Only the moderators seated at the front will ask questions. Candidates will not receive questions or topics in advance, and campaign staff cannot interact with them during breaks. No props or pre-written notes are allowed. Each candidate will only have a pen, pad and water bottle.
Walz will stand at the podium on stage left, with Vance on the right. Both candidates will remain behind their podiums for the entire 90-minute debate.
Although Vance is relatively new to politics compared to his opponents, he has quickly established himself as a proficient debater. He is known for his aggressive tactics and his ability to turn criticisms to his advantage.
In debates, including his 2022 encounter with Tim Ryan, Vance demonstrated a knack for keeping opponents off balance by reframing their attacks. Ryan called Vance “skilled” and highlighted Vance’s tactical and strategic approach to debates during an appearance on Slate’s What Next podcast.
Vance has earned a reputation for shifting the narrative in his favor by reframing criticisms, a technique that Ryan experienced firsthand. Ryan acknowledged Vance’s ability to “say whatever he needs to say to advance himself,” indicating a flexible and opportunistic approach to public discourse, regardless of the truthfulness of his statements.
Since joining Trump, Vance has become a prominent “attack dog” for the Republican campaign, frequently targeting Democrats and defending Trump against criticism. This aggressive style is something he’s likely to bring to the stage during Tuesday’s debate.
Speaking to reporters last week, Vance said he didn’t “have to prepare that much” for the debate because he had “well-developed views on public policy.”
On the other hand, Walz is less known for his debating prowess. While he has experience as a two-term governor, his debate performances tend to lean more on his approachable, folksy demeanor. Walz is quick to defuse tough questions, though he can struggle to keep his temper in check when pressed on his record.
Critics have occasionally referred to his responses in debates and press appearances as “word salad,” suggesting his answers are unclear and don’t always reach a clear point.
Walz has been rigorously practicing with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg standing in as Vance. Others helping in the preparations include Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique, who helped Harris prepare for her debate with Trump, along with other aides to Walz and the campaign.
Historically, vice-presidential debates have had minimal impact on election outcomes, and the campaigns for both JD Vance and Tim Walz have been managing expectations ahead of their debate.
Despite some memorable moments from past vice-presidential debates, research shows that vice-presidential candidates tend to have a limited effect on voter decisions.
Still, the debate will offer viewers a glimpse into the competing strategies of the two campaigns, with each candidate aiming to bolster their ticket’s chances of winning the White House. As running mates often act as the “attack dogs” in campaigns, Vance and Walz are expected to adopt this role, aggressively going after the opposing ticket.