What to expect from Vance vs. Walz

The drama of this election has drawn hordes of viewers eager to catch some of the most important political moments. Does the same apply to the vice presidential debate?

Tuesday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance will face off in New York City. The two have already launched attacks from afar during the campaign, with Vance accusing Walz of stolen valor and Walz calling Vance “weird.”

Vice-presidential debates do not typically attract the same audiences 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.

Vance’s gaffes and declining popularity have drawn comparisons to Palin, and it’s possible he’s luring his own audience into the showdown.

“I don’t think it will be as big as the Kamala Donald Show, but there is a lot of interest,” said Frank Sesno, professor and director of strategic initiatives at the GW School of Media and Public Affairs. “I think it’s an open question whether Vance is a help or, a hindrance, a liability to Trump.”

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More:What is it like debating Tim Walz?

Looking back, vice president ratings have changed over time

As a benchmark, Nielsen measures the percentage of households that own a television and have it turned on. The data doesn’t track people streaming online, but here’s a look back at ratings from the last election:

2020 – Harris vs. Pence 33.7% of households
2016 – 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 v. Lieberman: 21%

More:How many people watched the Harris-Trump presidential debate?

Both candidates paint apocalyptic visions of the future with the other side

Vice President Kamala Harris was largely declared the winner in her debate against Donald Trump after inciting him on an angry tirade.

Sesno says there may be more incitement ahead for Walz and Vance as they try to back each other into a political corner. He also noted that both candidates are still introducing themselves to a national audience and that this debate is their chance to prove that they are ready to be just a heartbeat away from the presidency.

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