Topline
The two vice presidential candidates will debate Oct. 1 on CBS, after Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, on Thursday accepted the network’s invitation, hours after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also said he would participate in the debate.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Sen. J.D. Vance R-Ohio, speaks in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. … [+]
Key Facts
“The American people deserve as many debates as possible,” Vance wrote Thursday on Twitter, adding that he will participate in the Oct. 1 debate on CBS and is also willing to debate Walz on Sept. 18 on CNN, though it’s unclear if Walz has agreed to the earlier face off.
CBS proposed the Oct. 1 date on Wednesday, in addition to Oct. 8, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24.
Walz accepted the Oct. 1 invitation, tweeting Wednesday “see you on October 1 JD.”
It’s unclear if Walz will agree to the Sept. 18 CNN debate; Forbes has reached out to the Harris campaign for confirmation.
Key Background
The agreement to debate comes as Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are currently polling slightly ahead of their opponents. Some early surveys released since Walz and Vance were tapped for the No. 2 spots on their respective parties’ tickets show more Americans view Walz favorably versus Vance—36% of U.S. adults have a favorable view of Vance, compared to 40% who view Walz favorably, according to a recent YouGov poll, though other surveys, including one by Monmouth University released this week, found Vance and Walz have relatively similar favorability ratings (36% and 37% respectively). Both candidates have fiercely attacked each other since joining the race—Walz is widely credited with popularizing the term “weird” to refer to Vance and Trump, while Vance has accused Walz of “stolen valor,” citing heavily disputed accusations he retired from the military early to avoid deployment.
What To Watch For
Trump and Harris are scheduled to debate for the first time on Sept. 10 on ABC News.
Further Reading
Tim Walz More Popular Than JD Vance—So Far, New Polls Show (Forbes)
‘Can’t Wait To Debate’: Walz Says He’s Eager To Face ‘Creepy’ And ‘Weird’ Vance (Forbes)
2022 midterms, 2024 presidential campaign, the January 6 House committee investigation, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster, the 2023 State of the Union Address, former President Donald Trump’s federal election interference and classified documents cases and his Manhattan hush money case. Dorn graduated in 2012 from the University of Dayton with a degree in journalism. Prior to joining Forbes, she covered New York City and state politics for the New York Post and City and State magazine. Follow her for updates and analysis on the 2024 presidential race, key Senate and House races and developments in Congress and at the White House.
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