Debate details

Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance are facing off for their first debate on Tue., Oct. 1, from 8PM to 9:30 PM in New York City at the CBS Broadcast Center, moderated by CBS anchors, Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan. You can watch on your local CBS station or online at CBS News 24/7, PBS Newshour Youtube, C-Span, or Paramount+. 

August’s Harris-Trump presidential debate quickly went off the rails with racist and untrue pet-eating conspiracies and sweaty stumbling from convicted felon Donald Trump, in contrast to Vice President Kamala Harris’ thoughtful opportunity economy, abortion rights restoration, and climate win priorities.

Read 5 Progressive Takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate for more on the top of the ticket, but for now, prepare for your VP debate watch party by downloading one of our custom bingo cards and reading up on Walz and Vance ahead of their big battle!

DOWNLOAD BINGO CARDS HERE!

A teacher, veteran, governor, and future VP

Known for his net worth being in line with the average American’s, and advertisements explaining the differences between a Harris-Walz new way forward and Trump’s Project 2025 while working on his trusted truck, the Harris-Walz campaign is demonstrating Walz’ good, normal side — because there seems to be so much to go around. 

In his first term as governor, Walz navigated a split legislature, initiating compromises to fund public schools, universal health care for low-income residents, and major infrastructure and economic improvements like raising the minimum wage. 

Walz provides a much-needed, positive representation of masculinity, leadership, and normalcy. He’s not spouting anti-abortion rhetoric about national bans, or ridiculing those who can’t or won’t have children, or starting racist narratives about immigrants. Walz continues to talk about the issues that matter most to every American: your family, your health, and what you can afford. We hope to see more of this dominate the debate on Oct. 1.

How is each candidate preparing?

While Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mock-debates with Walz, playing the role of Vance in preparation for what is expected to be a busy night, JD Vance says “he doesn’t have to prepare much.” Walz’s image — as a jolly former teacher, football coach, and veteran: your every-man — poses danger to Vance’s already low likability attributed to his reputation as a grifter. So, Vance will likely stick to his shtick: lying or attacking Walz’ character to deflect from his lack of integrity. 

Vance the grifter

JD Vance's ever-changing name, appearance, and most importantly changes in political stances paint a portrait of a man willing to transform himself for power. The "Hillbilly Elegy" author’s journey of lies and opportunistic swindling started with the aforementioned book that brought him national attention, which negatively and inaccurately depicted the Appalachian populations he claimed to know so well. This figures, considering recent remarks where he attempted to connect with this down-home audience and the best he could come up with was his affinity as a  Diet Mountain Dew drinker. It didn’t go well.

Vance’s ego always gets the best of him. In 2016, Vance called MAGA candidate Trump, “America’s Hitler.” Since then, his flip-flopping stances and dangerous lies have only grown in number. Right before the Harris-Trump debate, Vance’s extremely racist rhetoric about Haitian immigrants incited violence to turn attention away from his losing campaign. It’s clear JD and Donald will say anything to distract you from their dangerous and anti-American Project 2025 plans. For a more in depth look at their records, read our blog on everything you need to know about VP candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance.

What’s Next

Some viewers across the country, including Gov. Walz’ home state of Minnesota, have already begun voting. Early voting starts in mid-September in other states compared to Texas’ early voting period from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, so make sure to check your registration status today at GoVoteTexas.org and start building your voting plan now! The last day to update your status, change your address, or register to vote is Tuesday, October 7.

Plus, BINGO!

• Make sure to download our handy BINGO Cards! Grab friends, drinks, and make sure to play and have fun while you watch! There’s five different cards to pick from, and don’t forget, it’s Tue. Oct. 1 at 8pm! 
• Visit GoVoteTexas.org to check your voter registration status! Please share with friends, family, and coworkers.