Kamala Harris, Donald Trump's fate to be sealed on Tuesday's Vice Presidential debate?

Tim Walz and JD Vance might have the chance to reshape the political landscape on Tuesday in their first and only debate. Vice presidential picks have traditionally taken on the role of political attack dog, laying into opponents so that their running mate can appear above the political fray. That's generally been less true since former President Donald Trump scrambled political norms.

Democratic governor of Minnesota Walz made it to national prominence by labelling rival Republicans 'weird'. Republican junior senator from Ohio Vance has torn into Vice President Kamala Harris' party on immigration, notably by spreading a false story about Haitian immigrants in his home state that Trump then cited during his own debate with Harris.

A nominee's choice of number 2 has historically made little Election Day difference. This year could be different.


Historical analysis by Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston, suggests that voters aren't really swayed by a candidate's running mate. Even the idea of using a pick to balance a ticket - like pairing the first major party nominee who is a woman of colour with a white male in the case of Harris selecting Walz - may also be overstated.

"The evidence we have is that they're really voting for the presidential nominee," Jones said of Americans through the decades, as per an AP report.

A key caveat might be that, given just how close the current race is looking to be in swing states, "It's always possible that, at the margins, it may matter," Jones said, AP reported.

One reason why the Walz-Vance debate might shift more opinions this year is that Harris and Trump shared a stage only once, in early September. That means Tuesday may be the last chance before Election Day for voters to see the two tickets square off directly.

But, more likely, both Walz and Vance will simply need to avoid memorable unforced errors that can be endlessly replayed. Jones said such a race-shifting gaffe is unlikely - but not impossible.

"They're disciplined," Jones said. "But all it takes is one."

FAQs

Q1. When is Vice Presidential debate?
A1. Vice Presidential debate is on Tuesday, October 1.

Q2. Who are Vice-Presidential nominees in US election 2024?
A2. Tim Walz and JD Vance are Vice-Presidential nominees in US election 2024.