File photo: Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance (left) and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz (Picture credit: AP)

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance are gearing up for their first and only scheduled vice presidential debate on Tuesday.
The debate is likely to cover key issues as both candidates will advocate for their respective presidential nominees. The moderators for this event will be Norah O’Donnell from CBS Evening News and Margaret Brennan from CBS’s Face the Nation.
Here’s everything you need to know about this significant political event taking place just five weeks before Election Day.
When and where to watch the debate?
The 90-minute debate is set to begin at 9 pm EDT on October 1. It will be held in New York City, a traditional fundraising hub for candidates of both parties.
New York City has historically leaned Democratic in elections, but Trump believes he has a chance to sway it in the Republican direction this year, despite his previous losses there. Meanwhile, Harris has opted to skip the Al Smith dinner in New York, choosing to campaign in battleground states instead.
CBS News will air the debate live on its broadcast network and stream it on platforms like CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+. Other networks are likely to simulcast the event as well.
Know the candidates
Tim Walz is the Democratic candidate and running mate to vice president Kamala Harris. Walz has been active in introducing himself to voters while focusing on battleground states.
JD Vance is the Republican candidate, running alongside former President Donald Trump. Vance has also been crisscrossing the country to connect with potential voters.
Both candidates are preparing extensively for the debate.
Minnesota Governor has enlisted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to stand in for Vance during practice sessions in Minneapolis, recognising Vance as a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, Congressman Tom Emmer, also from Minnesota, is helping Vance prepare by standing in for Walz.
Future debate possibilities
Currently, there are no additional presidential or vice presidential debates scheduled, but this could change. After a debate with Trump on September 10, Harris expressed openness to a future debate, suggesting she would accept an invitation for an October 23 debate. However, Trump has indicated that this date may be too late due to early voting already beginning in several states.