Interest in the soon-to-be-held vice presidential debate between Democratic nominee Governor Tim Walz and Republican nominee Senator JD Vance is at an all-time high. This highly anticipated debate, scheduled for October 1, 2024, will form one of those poignant moments in the election cycle when both men have a chance to outline their positions and push back on their opponent concerning essential topics. Viewers will want to note how that translates into time zones outside of ET.
Timing of the Debate
The debate between Walz and Vance is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET, a time when a maximum amount of viewers can be assured during this prime time when most Americans would be free to watch.
Time zone conversions
For the sake of our audience across the breadth and width of the United States, hereby is how the various time zones correlate with the above-mentioned time for the debate:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): 9 p.m.
- Central Standard Time: 8 p.m.
- Mountain Standard Time (MST): 7 p.m.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): 6 p.m.
Through this type of scheduling, the event will be available throughout the time zones for this pivotal political event.
Debate format and length
The debate will last 90 minutes, with two scheduled breaks of four minutes each. At that time, the candidates will participate in a series of questions from moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of CBS News.
Debate overview
- No opening statements: While in many debates, both candidates give an opening statement; this will not be the case on this night.
- Questioning process: This allows each candidate to have two minutes to respond to the questions presented, then a two-minute rebuttal for the opponent candidate. This may be followed by an extra minute if need be.
- Closing statements: Both candidates are allowed to present a two-minute closing remark at the end of the debate.
Commercial breaks
Viewers should expect two commercial breaks, all within the 90-minute broadcast. The timing for these breaks has not been disclosed, but they are meant to serve the purpose of giving viewers an interlude to rest while their interest in the event is still captured.
No live audience
Like most of the recent presidential debates, this event will not have a live audience. This concept retains distractions at a minimum and keeps the attention of those participating in the debate.
Significance of the Debate
Walz vs. Vance assumes special significance because this is one of the last chances both candidates will have to reach out to voters with their message ahead of elections in November. Early voting has begun against the backdrop of tight polling, and this debate can be defined in the public’s perception influencing their vote decisions.
Learn about the rules for the upcoming vice presidential debate Here
