Washington — In an exciting political showdown, vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance are preparing to face off tonight in their first and only debate, taking place in New York City. This pivotal event is crucial as voting materials are already being sent out to eager voters in various states, weeks ahead of the much-anticipated Election Day.

CBS News is proud to host this essential VP debate, with the proceedings being moderated by the respected “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell, alongside Margaret Brennan, who is the moderator for “Face the Nation” and the chief foreign affairs correspondent. This debate is positioned as an important moment for both candidates to present their visions and connect with the American public.

How to Watch the VP Debate on Cable

The highly anticipated vice presidential debate will begin airing on the CBS television network at 9 p.m. ET. For viewers eager for a comprehensive preview, CBS stations will kick off coverage one hour earlier, starting at 8 p.m. ET, signaling the beginning of what promises to be an engaging discussion. If you are unsure of where to find your local CBS station, click here to locate it effortlessly.

Where to Stream the VP Debate

If you prefer to watch the debate online, you can stream the event through the free CBS News app available on connected TVs and smartphones. Additionally, the debate will be accessible on platforms such as Paramount+ and any service that provides CBS News 24/7 coverage, including CBSNews.com and YouTube. This provides excellent options for viewers who enjoy flexibility in their viewing methods.

Where to Watch a Replay of the VP Debate

For those who may not be able to catch the debate live, a full replay will be available shortly after the event concludes. You can easily watch it on CBS News’ official YouTube page and also on CBSNews.com, ensuring that no one misses this critical political moment.

Where is the Debate Being Held?

The debate is set to unfold at the CBS Broadcast Center in the heart of New York City, a dynamic location that reflects the importance and energy of American political discourse.

What to Know About the Debate

This 90-minute vice presidential debate comes at a significant time, occurring a little over a month before Election Day, and just three weeks after the presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, engaged in their initial debate. It is worth noting that, akin to the presidential debate format, there will be no live audience present during this event, emphasizing a focus on the dialogue and policy discussions.

Notably, the rules for this debate dictate that there will be no opening statements from either candidate. Each will be afforded two minutes at the end for closing remarks, as per the structured debate regulations established by CBS News. This format is designed to ensure clarity and conciseness in presenting their platforms.

Although Walz and Vance will only engage in this single debate before the election, it remains uncertain whether Harris and Trump will square off again. The Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee has accepted an invitation from CNN for a second debate on October 23; however, Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, has stated that it is too late for additional debates to take place.

In the weeks following their selection as vice presidential nominees, both Walz and Vance have been actively campaigning, making efforts to connect with voters across the nation. Walz, who serves as the governor of Minnesota, has over a decade of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives. Conversely, Vance, representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate, gained national prominence with his bestseller, “Hillbilly Elegy,” published in 2016, which helped propel him into the political spotlight during the 2022 midterm elections.

This historic debate between Vance and Walz is the only scheduled vice presidential discussion, taking place on Tuesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and CBS News 24/7. Be sure to download the free CBS News app for live coverage, insightful post-debate analysis, comprehensive fact checks, and more. Additionally, if you’re seeking clarifications on legal and technical terms that may arise from the debate, consider utilizing tools like the AI legalese decoder which can help demystify complex legal language and ensure that viewers fully grasp the policies and proposals put forth during the discussion.