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Walz-Vance debate updates: VP candidates set for showdown in close presidential race

The matchup could have an impact on critical undecided voters.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Brittany Gaddy, and Tal Axelrod
Last Updated: October 1, 2024, 6:09 PM EDT

The vice-presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance could prove to be a major factor in the presidential election -- given how close the race is and its potential impact with undecided voters.

The 90-minute CBS News showdown starts at 9 p.m. ET in New York City. ABC News Digital will live blog throughout the day and evening, pre-debate coverage will air at 8 p.m. on the ABC network and stream on ABC News Live -- followed by the debate itself and post-debate analysis.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
11:14 AM EDT

Where's Walz? From under the radar to the VP debate spotlight

In the eight weeks since being selected by Harris to join the ticket, Walz -- originally thought to be a dark-horse selection coming from behind to beat out some better-known national figures -- has effectively barnstormed the country.

"I think this is a big moment for him. Up till now, he's been heavily managed and carefully guarded," said Larry Jacobs, the director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. "Now he's going to be out there on the stage, and if he makes mistakes or comes off as not quite as authentic as he's been claiming, I think it'll be damaging to him, and he might make mistakes.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visits the field of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 28, 2024.
Andrew Roth/Shutterstock

Read more here.

-ABC News’ Isabella Murray

11:07 AM EDT

Walz not expected to visit spin room post debate

Walz will not be in the spin room after the debate, according to the Harris-Walz campaign.

Seven surrogates will spin for him instead, including Sens. Mark Kelly, Amy Klobuchar, Ben Ray Luján; Govs. Jared Polis and JB Pritzker; Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison.

-ABC News’ Isabella Murray

10:56 AM EDT

Vance to visit spin room after debate

Vance will go to the spin room following his debate with Walz, according to a source familiar with the plan.

He also participated in the spin room after former President Donald Trump's debate against Vice President Kamala Harris in September.

Politico was first to report Vance's plans.

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters in the spin room after a presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters in the spin room after an ABC News presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum/AP

-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie

10:53 AM EDT

Walz 'looking forward' to debate

While campaigning around Petoskey, Michigan, on Monday, Walz said that his "focus" was on Hurricane Helene and its destruction across the southeast, even while "looking forward" to the debate.

To prepare for Tuesday night, Walz used Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a Vance stand-in, who "surprised everyone by showing up to prep in a cheap red tie instead of camp casual attire," according to a source familiar.

-ABC News' Isabella Murray