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Walz-Vance debate updates: Abortion takes center stage alongside immigration

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, 10:22 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 started at 9 p.m. ET in New York City. ABC News Digital will live blog throughout the debate. Stay with ABC News for post-debate analysis on air and online.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
2 hours ago

Vance arrives at debate site

Vance has arrived at CBS Studios for the debate.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie

2 hours ago

Walz arrives at CBS Studios in NYC for debate

Walz's motorcade has arrived at CBS Studios in New York City for the debate. Vance is en route.

-ABC News' Isabella Murray and Hannah Demissie

2 hours ago

Political analysts weigh in on what Vance, Walz need to do to win

Reince Priebus and Donna Brazile joined ABC News Live to discuss what the goals are for Vance and Walz tonight.

"They have one thing to do: to show they can be president and to show the American people that they're likable," said Priebus, who served as chief of staff in the Trump White House.

Priebus also stressed the need to reach "uncommitted voters" and discuss what they want to hear. For Republicans, he said, the key issue is the economy, while Democrats will want to hear about health care.

Brazile, a Democratic Party operative, said Walz has to focus on how the Biden-Harris administration has lowered costs and tackled inflation while also bringing back manufacturing jobs.

"So I think that winner of this debate will be able to talk about those kitchen table issues that will be relatable to the American people. Let's abort all the conversations about childless women and cats and dogs, and instead address those concerns," she said.

3 hours ago

Biden sends well-wishes to Walz in social media post

President Joe Biden sent well-wishes to Walz in a post on X from his campaign account on Tuesday night ahead of the CBS News vice presidential debate.

"Coach, I got your back tonight! Tonight, America will see the strong, principled, and effective leader I've known for years—and the contrast you and Kamala provide against the other team," Biden wrote.

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim