Why Vance-Walz vice presidential debate holds more significance than usual
The only vice-presidential debate of the 2024 US election is set to take place on Tuesday between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz. The event, hosted by CBS News in New York, is expected to draw a significant television and online audience. This debate offers both candidates a platform to reinforce their running mates' messages before the November 5 election.
Debate strategies and expectations for Vance and Walz
The debate comes after the September 10 presidential showdown between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, where Harris was seen as having outperformed Trump. This outcome may increase pressure on Vance, a 40-year-old first-term US senator from Ohio. Meanwhile, Walz, a 60-year-old governor of Minnesota, has previously criticized his Republican counterpart.
Debate format and moderator
The debate's happening at the CBS Broadcast Centre and will be moderated by Norah O'Donnell, anchor of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, host of Face the Nation. It's a 90-minute event set for 9:00pm ET on October 1. There won't be a live audience, and the candidates will stay behind platforms during the debate, with prepared notes allowed on stage.
The role of vice president in US politics
The US VP holds a vital position, presiding over the Senate and acting as the tie-breaking vote—a record set by Harris with 33 instances. The Vice President also performs ceremonial duties in Congress during the certification of electoral results. However, the primary responsibility is to be ready to step in as president if needed. This has happened nine times in US history due to a president's death or resignation—with Gerald Ford being the last, following Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974.
