Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance will meet in the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 campaign on Tuesday night. The debate is envisioned to be historic as it is the first held by CBS News in New York, and could possibly be the last of the exact showdown between the two campaigns. Given many events happening around the globe right now from the Hurricane Helene that recently passed through the U.S. to the tensions within the Middle East, this debate looks set to be extensive.

Here are five key things to keep an eye on as these two political figures take the stage:

1. The Coach vs. the Ex-Pundit

Both Walz and Vance have crafted political identities rooted in their Middle America origins. Walz, the 60-year-old Minnesota governor, often leans on his past as a high school teacher and assistant football coach. On the other hand, Vance, a 40-year-old Marine veteran and author, frequently highlights his Appalachian roots and journey from a political commentator to a staunch Trump supporter. Their contrasting life stories will be on full display, as each tries to connect with voters in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

2. Abortion and Family Issues

Expect abortion to be a hot topic, with Walz backing Harris’ stance on reproductive rights and Vance taking a harder line. Walz has opened up about his and his wife’s fertility struggles, while Vance has criticised his opponent for supporting what he calls “extreme” abortion policies. Vance’s 2021 remark about “childless cat ladies” might also come into play, as Walz tries to frame him as judgmental and out of touch with modern families.

3. Which Version of Walz Will We See?

Walz gained national attention with his blunt criticism of Trump and MAGA Republicans, calling them “weird.” This no-nonsense attitude made him an attractive running mate for Harris, but since then, he’s toned it down. He has the opportunity to rekindle that fire on Tuesday night, or he may use it to explain why he has been acting more subdued lately. Will he attack Paul Ryan head-on, like Biden did in 2012, or is there a good reason he’s been quiet?

4. Walz’s Military Record Under Scrutiny

Vance has been hammering away at Walz’s military record, accusing him of exaggerating his experience and avoiding combat duty. While Walz denies any wrongdoing, expect Vance to push this narrative hard during the debate. The question is whether Walz will engage or try to steer the conversation elsewhere. Either way, it’s sure to be a point of contention.

5. The Springfield, Ohio Saga

Vance and Trump have been spreading a bizarre claim that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating pets, something that’s been debunked by local authorities. Vance defended these claims, saying he would “create stories” to bring attention to broader immigration issues. This could be a moment for Walz to pounce, attacking Vance for spreading falsehoods to stoke fear. Whether or not this wild narrative comes up, it highlights the larger immigration debate that’s likely to surface during the night.

The discussion will start at nine o’clock Eastern time, and its arbitrators will be Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell of CBS. Try not to miss what may be a vital second in the 2024 political decision.