As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Tim Walz and JD Vance are set to engage in their first and only vice presidential debate. This event, scheduled for Tuesday, could potentially alter the political landscape in a race that has been notably close.
The role of vice presidential candidates in debates has evolved over time. Traditionally, they were expected to act as political attackers, allowing their running mates to maintain a more dignified stance. However, this dynamic has shifted in recent years, particularly since the presidency of Donald Trump.
Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, has gained national attention for his characterization of opposing Republicans as "weird." Meanwhile, JD Vance, the Republican junior senator from Ohio, has been vocal in his criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris's party, particularly on immigration issues.
The vice presidency, while often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the U.S. government. The vice president presides over the Senate and has the power to break ties, a responsibility that Kamala Harris has exercised a record 33 times, surpassing the previous high mark set by John C. Calhoun in the 19th century. This fact underscores the increasing importance of the vice presidential role in modern politics.
"The vice president presides over the Senate and is empowered to break ties... But the vice president's main job is to be ready to take over if something happens to the president."
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, clarified the succession process, stating that the vice president becomes president in case of the president's removal, death, or resignation. This amendment has heightened the significance of the vice presidential selection, as evidenced by the nine instances where vice presidents have assumed the presidency following unforeseen circumstances.
Historical vice presidential debates have produced memorable moments that have left lasting impressions on the American public. From Admiral James Stockdale's puzzling opening in 1992 to Sarah Palin's informal approach to Joe Biden in 2008, these debates have often been more about avoiding gaffes than swaying voters.
The upcoming debate between Walz and Vance takes on added importance given the limited direct confrontations between the presidential candidates. With only one shared stage appearance between Harris and Trump in early September, Tuesday's debate may be the final opportunity for voters to see the two tickets face off before Election Day.
While the impact of vice presidential picks on election outcomes has historically been minimal, the current political climate and the closeness of the race could potentially amplify the significance of this debate. As Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, notes, "It's always possible that, at the margins, it may matter."
As Walz and Vance prepare to take the stage, both candidates will need to navigate the delicate balance of presenting their ticket's vision while avoiding any memorable missteps that could dominate news cycles in the crucial final days of the campaign.