There’s a long list of rules tonight, some of which shake up hotly debated precedents.
Logistics: The debate begins at 9:00 PM ET and lasts 90 minutes. Like this summer’s presidential debates, there will be no live audience and the topics will not be revealed in advance. Waltz and Vance are given a notepad, pen, and water bottle. Props and pre-written notes are prohibited.
Positioning: For the first time since 2008, Veep candidates will be standing instead of sitting. Walz will appear on the right side of the TV screen, and Vance will appear on the left side. They are required to remain behind the podium during the debate.
Speaking: The host introduces Walz first, then Vance. There will be no opening remarks, but each will give two minutes of closing remarks. Vance won the coin toss and chose to speak last.
Timing: Only moderators can ask questions. Candidates will have 2 minutes to respond to the question. The other candidate will have 2 minutes to respond. Each candidate will have one minute to rebut, with the moderator allowed for an extension for follow-up. Lights and countdown clocks help candidates keep track of their time.
Hot mics: Unlike this summer’s presidential debates, the candidates’ microphones will remain on at all times, but CBS reserves the right to turn them off.
Breaks: There will be two four-minute commercial breaks during which candidates will not be allowed to interact with campaign staff.
