Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the running mate of Kamala Harris in her presidential bid, expressed his willingness to debate Ohio Senator JD Vance, Donald Trump's vice-presidential pick. The proposed debate is set for October 1, following a formal invitation from CBS News.

Walz confirmed his participation in the debate via Twitter, responding to CBS News's statement that it had offered both campaigns four possible dates: September 17, September 24, October 1, and October 8. "See you on October 1, JD," Walz wrote, signaling his readiness to face Vance.

See you on October 1, JD. https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 14, 2024

The Harris campaign also issued a statement confirming their acceptance of CBS’s invitation. "Harris for President has accepted CBS' invitation to a Vice Presidential Candidate Debate on October 1. Governor Walz looks forward to debating JD Vance – if he shows up," the statement read, casting doubt on whether Vance would agree to the date.

Read more: Kamala Harris is against halting arms transfers to 'Israel': Aide

Related News

Vance shifts blame to Democrats for gov't shutdown as layoffs loom

US gov't shutdown looms as White House meeting fails to break deadlock

Vance has yet to confirm whether he will participate in the debate, despite the pressure from Walz. Last week, Walz had taken a jab at Vance, referencing a baseless but widely circulated claim about the Ohio senator's memoir, saying he "can’t wait to debate the guy — that is, if he's willing to get off the couch and show up."

This debate would be the first formal face-off between the vice-presidential candidates in what has become a heated campaign season. The Harris campaign has been eager to engage, with the Biden campaign previously indicating that the then-vice president was willing to debate the eventual Republican nominee as early as July or August.

However, Vance's campaign has been reluctant to commit to a debate, declining to do so before the Democratic National Convention on August 19, where Harris was officially endorsed by President Biden as his successor.

Read more: Biden calls Trump 'genuine danger to American security'

The vice-presidential debate is expected to be a key moment in the campaign, particularly as Harris and Trump prepare for their first presidential debate on September 10, hosted by ABC News. The debate will be moderated by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis, setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the election.

As the October 1 date approaches, all eyes will be on Vance to see if he accepts the challenge.