Everything you need to know about the vice presidential debate

The first meeting between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance will presumably be their last verbal exchange —filled with accusations, attacks, and perhaps a mention of their plans for the country— before the election between party members of the candidates for president. The clash between the two vice presidential hopefuls will take place in New York City starting at 9:00 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on CBS, with Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan as moderators.

Vice presidential debates have traditionally been brassy, as the candidate for the post has traditionally been used by campaigns as dogs of prey against rivals. This time Vance and Walz could reach new heights, since they have been exchanging accusations and reproaches for much of the campaign.

And they will have no shortage of issues to tangle over. In addition to mentions of Walz's military record, the ubiquitous Project 2025 in the Democratic discourse, opposition to Vance's abortion stance, the family-after his controversial statements about "childless ladies with cats"- will be joined by recent controversies over illegals kidnapping and eating pets in Ohio and, the latest, Trump's attacks on the Biden-Harris administration's response to the passage of Hurricane Helene.

Open microphones and a 90-minute duration

As for the debate itself, the teams of both candidacies agreed to a 90-minute debate with two four-minute commercial breaks, during which the contenders will not be able to interact with their aides. Candidates will not be allowed to enter their booths with pre-written notes or props. As in previous presidential debates, there will be no audience on the set.

The first to jump into the arena will be Walz, who will stand at the stage left lectern (right for viewers). There will be no opening speeches, and they will have two minutes to answer questions posed to them and another two minutes for replies. In addition, they will be given one minute for rebuttals. At the discretion of the moderators, the candidates may be given an additional minute to continue the debate. In addition, each will have two minutes for closing remarks.

On this occasion, and unlike the presidential debates, the microphones will not be muted when the opponent speaks, although the network reserves the right to turn off the devices. The Republican candidate won a virtual lottery last Thursday and chose to speak second. No issues or questions will be shared with the campaigns in advance.

Follow the debate with VOZ

CBS coverage will begin at 8:00 p.m. (ET), one hour before the face-off begins. You will be able to follow the debate with top analysts on VOZ (www.voz.us) and on our social networks.