CBS announces VP debate rules, candidates will 'fact-check' each other, moderators 'reserve the right' to mute hot mics on Oct 1

CBS News, which is set to host the vice-presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance, announced, along with the debate rules, that it would be the candidates’ responsibility to fact-check each other during the event, rather than relying on moderators for that role.

This format contrasts with the previous debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, during which the ABC News moderators attempted to fact-check Trump’s statements. However, they did not similarly fact-check Harris, even when she made inaccurate or misleading claims. The seemingly partisan nature of these fact checks have led to widespread criticism of the network’s handling of the debate.



On Friday, CBS stated that Vance and Walz would be responsible for calling out each other’s inaccuracies, with the moderators facilitating rebuttal opportunities. According to the Associated Press, CBS’ misinformation unit, CBS News Confirmed, will provide real-time fact-checking during the debate on social media, as well as a post-debate analysis on-air.

The debate appears to be following the approach taken by CNN earlier this summer during a debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, where the moderators refrained from intervening in the candidates' performances. Critics of moderator interventions in past debates have long argued that it is the candidates' job to challenge each other’s statements, rather than having moderators directly fact-check or engage with them. 

The vice-presidential debate will differ slightly from the presidential debates in terms of rules. For instance, microphones will remain on even while the opponent is speaking, though CBS News reported that the “reserves the right” to turn off a “hot” mic if necessary. 

The debate is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 pm EST, running for 90 minutes. It will take place in New York and will be moderated by CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell and Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan. For each question asked, candidates will have two minutes to answer followed by a two-minute response by their opponent, with another minute offered for additional rebuttals. The moderators may use their discretion to give the candidates an extra minute each for certain topics.  

While the debate will not include opening statements, each candidate will have two minutes for closing statements, and Vance, who won the coin toss, will deliver the final remarks. There will be no audience present during the debate.