Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will face off in a vice presidential debate tomorrow night. The significance of such debates often sparks discussion, with NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith reflecting on their impact throughout history.
Vice presidential debates can sometimes fade from memory, but the 1988 debate remains iconic in American political culture. Introduced by PBS anchor Judy Woodruff, it featured Republican nominee Senator Dan Quayle and Democratic nominee Senator Lloyd Bentsen. The age difference—Bentsen in his late sixties and Quayle at just 41—contributed to a memorable exchange where Bentsen famously remarked, “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy,” after Quayle compared himself to the former president. Despite the dramatic moment, it did not alter the election’s outcome, as Bentsen and his running mate Michael Dukakis ultimately lost.
The following VP debate included a third-party candidate, James Stockdale, who humorously asked, “Who am I? Why am I here?” The debate featured a lively back-and-forth between Quayle and Al Gore, peppered with interruptions and comedic timing.
In 2008, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s introduction of then-Senator Joe Biden was memorable, with her asking if she could call him “Joe.” Debate coach Brett O’Donnell noted this approach helped her avoid a potential misstep, as she had struggled to accurately say Biden’s name during preparation.
The 2020 debate showcased a different highlight with then-Senator Kamala Harris asserting her presence against Vice President Mike Pence, notably insisting, “I’m speaking,” during exchanges. However, an unexpected moment captured attention when a fly landed on Pence’s hair, overshadowing much of the debate’s content.
Experts like Joel Goldstein argue that vice presidential debates play a crucial role in introducing candidates to the public, especially in gauging their potential readiness to assume the presidency. As both Vance and Walz prepare for their upcoming debate, they may benefit from this visibility, as neither has a well-established national profile.
Goldstein emphasizes that voters must envision a candidate capable of stepping into the presidency if necessary. O’Donnell adds that while VP debates contribute to the campaign narrative, historically, they have not been decisive in changing the election’s outcome.
This upcoming debate holds particular significance as it is the last scheduled for the election cycle. The dynamics could shift depending on how Vance and Walz perform, especially considering Trump’s previous debates with Harris, which have been contentious. How they fare could influence Trump’s willingness to engage in further discussions as the election progresses.