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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:
1:07 PM EDT

How to watch the VP debate

The 90-minute debate will air on CBS and be simulcast on the ABC network and stream on ABC News Live.

ABC pre-debate coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET; post-debate ABC News coverage will go on until 11 p.m. ET. ABC News Live, ABC News’ 24/7 streaming news channel, will provide full coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET and run through 12 a.m. ET.

PHOTO: Republican Vice Presidential nominee Senator JD Vance speaks in Phoenix, Arizona, Sept. 5, 2024. | Vice President candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 12, 2024.
Republican Vice Presidential nominee Senator JD Vance speaks at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona, Sept. 5, 2024. | Vice President candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a rally at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 12, 2024.
Go Nakamura/Reuters | Brett Farmer/Shutterstock

Read more about how to watch the debate here.

-ABC News’ Sarah Beth Hensley

12:47 PM EDT

Trump says VP debate 'stacked' against Vance

Former President Donald Trump told Kellyanne Conway on Monday morning that the debate will be stacked against his running mate. He also remained undecided on a second debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

“So, I'd rather debate. I'd rather have another one. The problem is, we're so far down the line,” Trump said.

Trump claimed the debates are "so stacked," adding, "you'll see it tomorrow with JD. It'll be stacked.”

While on the campaign trail last weekend, Harris used Tuesday night’s debate to goad Trump into accepting a second debate, saying that it shouldn’t be the “last word.”

-ABC News’ Kelsey Walsh and Gabriella Abdul-Hakim

11:29 AM EDT

Vance is prepared for debate: Trump campaign

Vance is prepared for his debate against Walz, said Jason Miller, the Trump campaign senior adviser, on Monday.

The Ohio senator has turned to Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to help him in debate rehearsals by playing Walz, sources familiar with the plans told ABC News. One of the sources said Emmer was invited to be the stand-in so Vance could prepare to take on the governor's folksy personality.

Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance speaks at a campaign event in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 18, 2024.
Karl B Deblaker/AP

-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie

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