### Walz and Vance to Square Off in Only Scheduled Vice Presidential Debate

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance are set to face each other in their first and only scheduled vice presidential debate on Tuesday. The 90-minute event, dubbed the CBS 2024 Vice Presidential Debate, will air live at 9 p.m. EDT on Oct. 1. The debate will take place in New York City, a location often associated with political fundraising events. Norah O'Donnell, anchor of "CBS Evening News," and Margaret Brennan of "Face the Nation" will co-moderate the debate. Coverage begins earlier in the evening at 6 p.m. EDT on PBS with "News Hour," followed by special analysis after the debate.

Walz, running alongside Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, will go head-to-head with Vance, who is part of the Republican ticket led by former President Donald Trump. With only five weeks remaining before Election Day, both candidates have been traveling extensively across crucial battleground states to introduce themselves to voters and make the case for their running mates.

The preparations for the debate have been intensive. According to sources, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been acting as a stand-in for Vance during Walz's practice sessions in a Minneapolis hotel. Buttigieg was chosen due to his strong communication skills and the belief that Vance will prove to be a challenging opponent. On the Republican side, GOP Rep. Tom Emmer has been standing in for Walz during Vance's preparations. Both sources spoke to the Associated Press under conditions of anonymity due to the closed-door nature of the preparations.

PBS and CBS are making extensive arrangements to broadcast the debate live on multiple platforms, including CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+. PBS is also set to simulcast the debate. Trump's visits to New York City, despite his past election losses in the state, underscore his determination to rally support in what is traditionally a Democratic stronghold. Meanwhile, Harris has opted to skip the Al Smith dinner in New York City to campaign in a battleground state instead.

No additional presidential or vice-presidential debates have been scheduled following this event, but possibilities remain open. Harris has shown a willingness to debate Trump again, hypothetically on Oct. 23, but Trump has deemed that date as too close to the election. With early voting already in progress in several states, the one and only vice presidential debate of this election cycle carries significant weight.

Debates this year have diverged from the usual format; they've been organized by host networks rather than the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. The upcoming faceoff between Walz and Vance promises to be a pivotal moment in the race, offering a unique glimpse into the strategies and personas of both candidates.