Both vice presidential candidates, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., are preparing to face off in their first possible debate, scheduled for Oct. 1. This comes after CBS News proposed four potential dates for the debate: Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8. Walz was quick to confirm his participation, posting on social media that he would be ready to take the stage on Oct. 1.
Vance, while not formally committed, has indicated that he is likely to join the debate. In an Aug. 14 interview with Fox News, he explained that his team is currently reviewing the debate’s rules and moderators before making a final decision. Vance said he wants to ensure the event will allow for a fair exchange of ideas adding that the importance of having a structured debate that provides both candidates with an equal platform.
“I strongly suspect we’re going to be there on October the 1st, but we’re not going to do one of these fake debates where they don’t actually have an audience there, where they don’t actually set the parameters in a way where we can have a good exchange of ideas,” Vance said. “In other words, we’re not going to walk into a fake news media garbage debate. We’re going to do a real debate, and if CBS agrees to it, then certainly we’ll do it.”
Vance also suggested that multiple debates would be beneficial, allowing voters to get a clearer picture of the contrasting visions offered by both campaigns.
The upcoming debate will provide voters with their first direct comparison of the two candidates’ positions on key issues. As the campaign heats up, the Oct. 1 event will be a critical moment in the race, offering insight into how both candidates plan to address topics ranging from the economy to national security.
Vance held a rally in Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and will speak at a veterans event Thursday, Aug. 15, in Pennsylvania. Walz held events in Denver and Boston on Wednesday and will be campaigning in Newport on Thursday.
