In a departure from the norm, the upcoming vice-presidential debate between Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Senator JD Vance of Ohio will see the candidates standing behind lecterns instead of sitting, as has been the tradition since 2008. The decision was made by CBS News, the host of the debate, and the two campaigns are in the process of finalizing the rules for the event which is set to take place next week in New York.

The last time vice-presidential candidates stood for a debate was in 2008 when Joe Biden faced off against Sarah Palin. This change in format is a break from the usual practice established by the Commission on Presidential Debates in recent presidential cycles. The candidates' physical attributes, with Governor Walz standing just under six feet tall and Senator Vance around six feet tall, are not considered a significant factor in the decision to have them stand.

To prepare for the unique debate format, Governor Walz and his team are set to hold a multiday debate camp in Harbor Springs, Michigan, a quaint bayside town along Lake Michigan. Meanwhile, Senator Vance has been engaging in debate preparations with Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota playing the role of Governor Walz. The candidates have been diligently studying and participating in mock sessions led by their respective teams as they gear up for the upcoming high-stakes debate.