The drama of this election has drawn millions of viewers to watch the biggest political moments, but will the same be true for the vice presidential debate?
On Tuesday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance will face off in New York City. The two had already attacked from afar during the campaign, with Vance accusing Walz of stealing his courage and Walz calling Vance a “freak.”
Vice presidential debates don’t typically draw the same audience as presidential debates, with the exception of 2008, when Joe Biden debated Sarah Palin, which was the most-watched vice presidential debate in history, according to Nielsen. It is said that
Vance’s gaffes and decline in popularity have drawn comparisons to Palin’s, and it’s possible that Vance will draw his own audience to the showdown.
“I don’t think it’s going to be as big as the Kamala and Donald show, but there’s a lot of interest here,” said Frank Sesno, professor and director of strategic initiatives at GW’s Graduate School of Media and Public Affairs. . “I think there’s an open question as to whether Mr. Vance will be a help or a hindrance to Mr. Trump.”
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MORE: What’s it like to discuss Tim Walz?
Looking back at the vice president’s evaluation of how it has changed over time
Nielsen measures the percentage of households that own a television set as an indicator of viewership. While this data doesn’t capture people streaming online, here’s a look back at recent election ratings.
2020 – Harris vs. Pence 33.7% of households2016 – Kaine vs. Pence: 23.5%2012 – Biden vs. Ryan: 31.9%2008 – Biden vs. Palin: 41.7%2004 – Cheney vs. Edwards: 28.1%2000 – Cheney Against Pence: 28.1%Lieberman: 21%
More information: How many people watched the Harris-Trump presidential debate?
Both candidates envision an apocalyptic future with the other side
In the debate with Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris was largely declared the winner after infuriating Trump.
Sesno says more baiting may be in store as Walz and Vance try to corner each other politically. He also noted that both candidates are still in the process of introducing themselves to a national audience, and the debate is a chance to prove they’re ready to get closer to becoming president. .
“Both countries are trying to protect their countries from those who want to destroy them,” Sesno said. “It’s a very apocalyptic vision that each side is trying to hold on to the other.”
But boxing rhetoric aside, there’s a lot at stake for the American people.
“What’s actually happening in the world is that there are real problems in people’s lives,” Sesno said. โSo just chanting slogans is not enough, and they know it.โ