The vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance had a calmer and more civil tone compared to previous debates. Despite this, the debate was less popular overall, with a viewership of more than 43 million across 15 TV networks that simulcast the event. This number does not include viewers who watched on online platforms such as YouTube. Vice presidential debates typically have lower ratings than presidential debates, and this year was no exception, with last month’s debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump drawing more viewers.
The Walz-Vance debate was still one of the most-watched telecasts of the year in the United States, with 43 million viewers tuning in. Compared to past VP debates, such as the one between Harris and Mike Pence in 2020, which drew 57 million viewers, and the record-breaking debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin in 2008 which had 69.9 million viewers, the viewership numbers have changed due to shifts in television viewing patterns. Despite these changes, viewers generally responded positively to the respectful and civil tone of the debate, with polls indicating that viewers had more positive views of both candidates post-debate.
The VP debate typically serves as a bridge between presidential debates, but this year Trump has declined offers for another debate, making it possible that the VP debate is the final one for this election cycle. The Harris campaign has called for another debate, with a proposed date in Atlanta, but Trump has expressed disinterest in participating. It remains to be seen if any further debates will take place before the election. Overall, the Walz-Vance debate, while less popular than past VP debates, was well-received by viewers for its respectful tone and civil discourse.
Television viewership patterns have changed significantly in recent years, impacting the overall ratings of debates such as the one between Walz and Vance. Despite this, the positive reception from viewers and the overall civil tone of the debate indicate that there is still interest in political debates. With the potential for the VP debate to be the last of this election cycle, it raises questions about the role of debates in shaping voter opinions and the importance of respectful discourse in political conversations. The outcome of the debate and the viewer response highlight the significance of presenting candidates in a positive light and engaging in respectful dialogue, even in the midst of differing opinions.
