How to watch the Vice presidential debate: Pence vs. Harris start time

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Everything you need to know to watch the vice presidential debate online to see Pence vs Harris

how to watch the vice presidential debate: pence vs harris live stream
(Image credit: Michael A. McCoy and Saul Loeb/Getty Images)
Vice presidential debate start time, TV Channels

The Pence vs Harris debate will start at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT today (Wednesday, October 7). It's scheduled to go 90 minutes and end at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.
It's on the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC), plus cable news networks including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.

Here goes nothing. It's time to watch the vice presidential debate and see Mike Pence and Kamala Harris enter the arena of argument. We enter this debate with a burning question for both the vice president and senator — one that we couldn't have envisioned a week ago — President Donald Trump's positive COVID-19 result and brief hospitalization. 

Trump and Joe Biden's running mates will take the debate stage tonight at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The vice presidential debate is going to be moderated by Susan Page, USA Today's Washington bureau chief, and last for 90 minutes (with no commercial breaks).

While Page hasn't yet released a list of topics, it's easy to guess the one at the top of the list: the pandemic. Pence served as the head of the White House coronavirus task force and will be asked about the administration's response fo the pandemic, as well as the recent spate of positive COVID-19 tests in the White House.

Other potential topics include: the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; racial injustice and white nationalism; the economy; and climate change. 

Due to President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, the vice presidential debate will carry out some changes to its set-up. At the request of the Biden-Harris campaign, the two candidates will be 13 feet apart (rather than seven). And the Commission on Presidential Debates has approved plans for plexiglass to be erected between Pence and Harris.

Here's everything to know about how to watch the vice presidential debate live stream.

How to watch the vice presidential debate from anywhere on Earth

If you're away from home, and unable to use the services you already pay for, you don't have to miss the vice presidential debate between Pence vs Harris. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the debate from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

ExpressVPN

We think speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN second to none. During our tests, we saw fast connection times, and we're impressed by the service's ability to access more than 3,000 services spread out across 160 locations in 94 countries. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

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How to watch the vice presidential debate live stream in the U.S.

The vice presidential debate is taking place Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET.

It will be air on all four major broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as top cable news channels CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, and MSNBC. You'll need a live TV service to watch along on those channels. 

Our top choices are Sling TV and FuboTV. Sling is less expensive, but its local channel coverage only includes NBC and Fox (in select regions). Meanwhile, Fubo has over 100 channels, including all broadcast networks and dozens of top cable brands. 

Sling TV

Sling TV is offering a three-day free trial to see all that the streaming service has to offer. The Sling Blue package costs $30 and includes more than 50 channels, including NBC and Fox in select markets. The lineup also has CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.

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Fubo.TV

Fubo.TV is a great alternative to a cable package. With the Family Plan ($65 per month), you get over 90 channels, including local broadcast networks and top cable channels like CNN, Fox News, AMC, E!, HGTV,  ESPN, Syfy and Paramount Network. 

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How to watch the vice presidential debate in Canada, UK and Australia

Viewers around the world can watch the first presidential debate live stream for free on various YouTube channels, such as C-SPAN's YouTube channel.

The Roku Channel will have the debate on ABC News, Cheddar, Newsy and other channels. 

2020 presidential debates schedule

Here's the schedule for the two remaining presidential debates. After Trump's recent COVID-19 diagnosis, it's unclear if either of them will go forward.

Second presidential debate
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 9-10:30 p.m. ET
Moderator: Steve Scully, political editor of C-SPAN
Location: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida

Third presidential debate
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 9-10:30 p.m. ET
Moderator: Kristen Welker, NBC News White House correspondent
Location: Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee

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Kelly Woo
Kelly Woo
Streaming Editor

Kelly is the streaming channel editor for Tom’s Guide, so basically, she watches TV for a living. Previously, she was a freelance entertainment writer for Yahoo, Vulture, TV Guide and other outlets. When she’s not watching TV and movies for work, she’s watching them for fun, seeing live music, writing songs, knitting and gardening.