Vice Presidential Debate: Impactful or Just Creepy & Weird?

NEW YORK, NY— In a high-stakes faceoff, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, and Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio will meet Tuesday, October 1, in New York City for their only debate of the 2024 election cycle.

With the race tightening in key battleground states, both candidates are expected to use the platform to sway undecided voters on issues central to the campaign—primarily the economy, immigration, and abortion.

The Vice Presidential debate is not expected to move the needle definitively for either side but could impact a small number of undecided voters in swing states.  

In the 2024 presidential race, some voters remain undecided for a variety of reasons. Some may feel disillusioned with both major parties, struggling to align with candidates’ stances on key issues like the economy, healthcare, or immigration. Others might be waiting for more information from debates or policy proposals before making a final decision. Additionally, independent and swing voters could find themselves torn between personal values and pragmatic concerns, particularly in an election where the stakes feel high, but the candidates offer sharply contrasting visions. Uncertainty about each candidate’s leadership in times of crisis or concern about their ability to unite a divided nation also plays a role in their indecision.

The debate, taking place at the CBS Broadcast Center, will be moderated by CBS News anchors Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan. The event will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on CBS News platforms and Paramount+.

The stakes could not be higher for the running mates. The debate follows the recent presidential clash between President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, which gave Harris a slight bump in polls. Still, the overall race remains in a dead heat, with razor-thin margins in key swing states.

Walz’s "Regular Guy" Appeal

Walz, known for his down-to-earth persona, is expected to lean into his "regular guy" image to connect with voters, particularly independents who may see Harris as too far left. As governor of Minnesota, Walz has championed progressive policies like transgender bathroom use, LGBTQ rights, and other far-left issues. These initiatives have earned him praise among Democrats, but he faces a more complicated task in appealing to moderates.

In recent campaign stops, Walz has taken shots at Vance, mocking his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and questioning his Midwestern authenticity. "JD studied at Yale, got funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, and then wrote a bestseller trashing rural America," Walz said during a rally. The former high school teacher and football coach has also labeled Vance and Trump as "creepy" and "weird," a jab that resonated with Democratic voters earlier in the campaign.

Walz is expected to use the debate to connect Vance with the Project 2025 policy agenda, a conservative blueprint that Trump has distanced himself from.

Vance’s Combative Style

For his part, Vance, who has gained a reputation for his combative style, will need to stay on offense if he hopes to counter Walz's attacks. The Ohio senator has faced backlash for controversial remarks, including referring to Democrats as "childless cat ladies" and spreading false claims about Haitian migrants. In a more recent controversy, Vance suggested without evidence that Democrats’ rhetoric contributed to an assassination attempt on Trump—a claim that drew sharp criticism from the White House.

Throughout the campaign, Vance has portrayed Walz and Harris as part of a radical liberal agenda, criticizing the Minnesota governor’s policies and questioning his military service record. Vance, who served in the Marine Corps, has accused Walz of misrepresenting his military experience, though Walz has defended his service.

The debate offers Vance an opportunity to galvanize Trump supporters while attempting to broaden his appeal beyond the GOP base, especially as polls show a competitive race in battleground states.

How to Watch

The debate will air live on CBS at 9 p.m. ET and will be available on CBS News 24/7 platforms, as well as Paramount+. CBS has also made the event available for simulcast across various networks.

With the 2024 race entering its final stretch, both candidates are under pressure to deliver strong performances in what could be a pivotal moment in a historically tight election.