The highly anticipated vice-presidential debate between Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is set for Tuesday at 9 p.m. in New York.

This debate will be moderated by two prominent journalists from CBS, Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan, and both have had notable -- sometimes controversial -- media careers worthy of review, bringing years of experience to what promises to be an engaging discussion, as the Washington Examiner reports.

This debate will be unique in that the moderators will not be responsible for fact-checking the candidates, a departure from previous formats.

Instead, the candidates themselves will have the opportunity to challenge each other on their statements during allocated rebuttal periods. CBS will also provide real-time fact-checking through its blog and social media platforms, along with detailed analysis following the debate.

Norah O'Donnell's Role in the Debate

O'Donnell, who has been with CBS News since 2011, will be co-moderating the debate. O'Donnell became the anchor of CBS Evening News in 2019, solidifying her position as one of the network's leading voices. Earlier this year, she announced that she would step down from her current role following the election, transitioning to a senior correspondent position at CBS.

The longtime anchor is no stranger to high-profile interviews, having conducted a widely discussed interview with Pope Francis in May. However, she has also faced criticism for her comments during interviews with political figures. In July, O'Donnell came under fire for suggesting, during an interview with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, that former President Donald Trump bore some responsibility for an attempt on a GOP candidate’s life.

Margaret Brennan Brings Expertise to the Debate Stage

Margaret Brennan, the host of CBS's Face the Nation since February 2018, will join O'Donnell as the second moderator. Brennan has built a reputation for her sharp interviews and in-depth political analysis, earning an Emmy award and two additional nominations for her work. Like O'Donnell, Brennan has also faced controversy, particularly in July, when she made arguably questionable remarks about Donald Trump following an attempted assassination of the former president.

Brennan’s tough interviewing style was also highlighted earlier this year when she conducted a heated interview with Vance, now one of the two candidates in this debate. The exchange between the two was marked by tension, offering a preview of what viewers might expect during the upcoming debate.

CBS's Approach to Fact-Checking

Unlike in previous debates, O'Donnell and Brennan will not fact-check the candidates during the live event. CBS has clarified that the moderators will facilitate opportunities for the candidates to challenge each other. The network has stated that it will offer real-time fact-checking on its blog, social media channels, and in post-debate analysis. This method puts the onus on the candidates to correct or rebut any claims made by their opponent in real time, with additional verification coming from CBS afterward.

This approach contrasts with recent trends in political debates, where moderators often play a more active role in fact-checking statements as they are made. By stepping back from this role, O'Donnell and Brennan will allow for more direct interaction between the candidates, giving them the space to engage in unfiltered dialogue.

Criticism of CBS Coverage

The debate comes amid ongoing criticism of CBS’s election coverage. According to the Media Research Center, CBS's reporting on the 2024 election has been described as "wildly slanted" in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Walz. The organization reviewed 161 stories, many of which aired on O'Donnell’s "CBS Evening News," and claimed a disproportionate focus on Harris and Walz over other candidates.

This criticism has not deterred CBS from continuing its election coverage, which includes high-profile debates like this one. While the network’s reporting has been scrutinized, O'Donnell and Brennan remain key figures in CBS’s political programming.

Past Controversies Surrounding the Moderators

Both O'Donnell and Brennan have found themselves at the center of political controversies in the past. O'Donnell’s question to Kevin McCarthy in July, where she asked whether Trump should take responsibility for the attempt on a Republican candidate’s life, was met with criticism. Some viewed the question as an attempt to place blame on Trump for inciting violence.

Brennan, similarly, has faced criticism over her handling of interviews. She came under fire earlier this year for editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, removing a segment that was seen as unflattering to Harris. This led to accusations of bias against Brennan, which CBS has denied.

Despite these controversies, both moderators have a long history of conducting tough interviews and guiding political discussions, making them well-suited for this debate.

Conclusion

As the vice-presidential debate approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates and the moderators tasked with guiding the conversation. Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan, both seasoned journalists with CBS, bring a wealth of experience and insight to the table.

However, their decision not to fact-check the candidates during the debate leaves the responsibility of challenging statements to the participants themselves. CBS’s real-time fact-checking on social media and its blog will help fill in the gaps for viewers.

With their past interviews and controversies adding a layer of intrigue, this debate promises to be one of the key events in the 2024 election season.