TV duel with Vance fixed

Tim Walz agrees to the date: “See you, JD”

Tim Walz could become the next Vice President of the USA.(Bild: Getty Images/MARIO TAMA)

A TV duel between the two vice-presidential candidates for the 2024 US elections is taking shape. Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz agreed on Wednesday to face his Republican rival J.D. Vance on October 1. 

This is one of four dates CBS News suggested for a possible televised debate. "See you on October 1st, JD," Walz wrote on the online platform X.

When asked about a possible date for the verbal exchange, Vance replied to Fox News, "I strongly anticipate we'll be there on October 1." Vance also expressed a desire to debate Walz more than once.

Harris and Trump duel on ABC
A debate between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Republican nominee Donald Trump is scheduled for Sept. 10 on ABC News.

There may be further televised debates - but the dates and conditions have not yet been set. Before agreeing on a date for the first duel, Trump and Harris had engaged in a public tussle and accused each other of ducking out of fear of the other.

TV duels always a risk for candidates
For Harris' predecessor in the presidential race, Joe Biden, his TV duel against Trump had become a debacle. Biden's weak performance increased the pressure within the party to withdraw from the candidacy and fueled a downward trend that ultimately led to the 81-year-old dropping out in favour of his vice president.

A failed TV debate led to Biden's withdrawal from the election campaign.(Bild: AFP/ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

The upcoming televised debates are therefore particularly eagerly awaited, as the framework and rules must be confirmed by both sides.