Below is a detailed package on rules, format, length, and commercial breaks for that debate, expected to be a paramount moment in the 2024 election cycle, as the two nominees, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Sen. JD Vance, go head-to-head in the vice presidential debate on 1 October 2024.
Format and structure of the Debate
- Date and time: It will begin at 9 p.m. ET on October 1, 2024, at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. The debate, which will be moderated by two famous journalists from CBS News, Norah O’Donnell, anchor of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, moderator of Face the Nation.
- Standing format: Whereas the vice presidential debates traditionally take the form of candidates seated, Walz and Vance will stand behind the podiums for the duration of the debate. This is because such a setup often promises to provide a livelier appearance and an engagement between the two candidates. Walz will be on stage left-the right-hand side of the moderators-while Vance will be on stage right.
Rules governing the Debate
- Opening statements: This is not going to be like many of the debates of the past, because there will be no opening statement by either candidate. And this decision provides an opportunity for an almost immediate focus on the questions posed by the moderators.
- Questioning process: The moderators will be asking the questions. Following a two-minute answer by each candidate to a question asked by the moderators, there is a two-minute period for a rebuttal by the other candidate. After both have spoken, each will then have one minute for further rebuttals. Moderators may also grant an extra minute to each candidate at their discretion if the candidate requires continuing a discussion on a particular topic.
- Microphone rules: One of the peculiarities with this debate is that both candidates’ microphones will remain on for the whole debate, allowing each to respond even when his opponent is talking. CBS News can, however, cut the mics if it sees fit.
Debate length
The overall debate is projected to take 90 minutes, with two breaks that will each be four minutes long. This structure allows for brief breaks but maintains the focus needed for many of the key issues that pertain to voters.
Closing statements
At the conclusion of tonight’s debate, each candidate will have a two-minute closing statement. The candidates flipped a coin to determine order and Vance won, opting to speak second and ceding the final word to Walz.
Commercial breaks
This debate will have commercial breaks, though the exact timing for these is not publicly known. Usually, the commercial breaks are strategically positioned to keep the audiences engaged but also allow smooth transitioning between different segments of the debate.
Rules related to audience and interaction
In this debate, there will not be any live audience. The move has also been replicated in other presidential debates as a surefire way to eliminate distractions and interruptions from discussion. Also;
- No props or pre-written notes of any kind can be brought onto the stage by candidates.
- They will be provided with a pen, a notepad, and a water bottle.
- Contacts with staff during breaks are strictly prohibited.
Learn what time you will be able to watch the vice presidential debates across all the U.S time zones Here
