Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Democrat Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the two vice presidential nominees, are set to debate on CBS News on Oct. 1.
With fewer than 50 days to go before election day, voters may wonder if vice presidential debates really matter in moving the needle for election results—and if so, how.
The debate will be the only showdown between the two candidates this year, as is typical for vice presidential nominees.
Each candidate presents a contrasting vision for the country—with Walz touting the Biden–Harris administration’s record and his progressive policies as governor, and Vance expressing former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.
David Schultz, a political science professor from St. Paul’s Hamline University—and a scholar of the vice presidency—said it seemed like both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were “playing base politics” by selecting Vance and Walz, respectively, as running mates.
Neither are from critical swing states, and each has a strong appeal to their respective parties’ bases. Vance has strong approval among Trump supporters, and Walz was championed by many progressive leaders in the Democratic Party ahead of his selection at the top of its ticket.
“At this point, neither of the campaigns are pitching for moderates,” he told The Epoch Times.
Even so, a matchup between the two candidates gives each a chance to make their strongest appeal to undecided voters in what has already been one of the most unprecedented elections in modern history.
Dustin Carnahan wrote that research suggests presidential debates have had little impact on vote choice.
Aaron Dusso told The Epoch Times that vice presidential debates have had little impact on polling in past elections due to fewer viewers compared to presidential debates.
Pew Research Center released data that showed viewership numbers for recent vice presidential debates.
While 84 million tuned in for Trump’s first debate against Hillary Clinton in 2016,
only 37.2 million watched Kaine’s matchup with Pence four years later,
and 57.9 million watched Harris debate Pence last year.
Carnahan noted that other research has shown that a candidate’s performance can affect how undecided voters perceive them.
In June when Biden’s performance caused top Democrats to call for his exit from race,
Carnahan said debates can also give candidates opportunities to express ideas and policies
Schultz said there is no evidence any recent VP impacted Presidential race except Sarah Palin who cost John McCain several points with her debate against Biden
Camille Busette believes that Pence-Harris affected election because Harris criticized Trump administration’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic
Regardless of eventual impacts both VP candidates have been preparing behind scenes
Vance recruited Rep Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) as stand-in for Walz
Walz enlisted help Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg who served as stand-in during Harris’ pre-debate preparations last year
Schultz advised both candidates: “Do no harm and make no mistakes.”
Dusso said it’s important for both candidates seem competent enough on topics outside their campaigns’ respective strengths before quickly moving on talking about issues where voters trust them most
