VP Debate Highlights Civil Debate, but Ratings Plummet 25 Percent from 2020

The highly anticipated 2024 vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz drew a sizable audience of approximately 43.15 million viewers on Tuesday night, albeit down a significant 25 percent from the 2020 matchup between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. The debate, hosted by CBS News, was widely praised for its relatively civil tone and fresh opportunity for Americans to engage with the candidates. However, the ratings decline is a notable trend that raises questions about the shifting media landscape and the public's interest in these events.

A Fresh Tone but Lower Ratings

According to Nielsen, the 2020 vice presidential debate between Harris and Pence drew 57 million viewers, making it the second-most watched VP debate since records began. The record for the most-watched VP debate remains the 2008 showdown between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, which attracted an impressive 69.9 million viewers. The Walz-Vance debate, while still widely viewed, failed to match the excitement and viewership of its predecessors.

Candidates Exchange Ideas in Civil Debate

Despite the lower ratings, the Walz-Vance debate was notable for its civil tone, with both candidates engaging in respectful exchanges and presenting their policy ideas. The debate, held at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, covered a range of topics, and while there were no major gaffes or controversies, the candidates did differentiate themselves on key issues. For many viewers, the debate represented a welcome respite from the often-acrimonious tone of modern politics.

Reaction from Viewers and Analysts

Midwest voters praised the debate for its fresh tone, with many expressing relief that the candidates engaged in a respectful conversation. Analysts also noted that the debate was unlikely to significantly impact the presidential election, as vice presidential debates rarely reshape the outcome. However, the debate did provide an opportunity for voters to assess the candidates' policy positions and character, which can be a crucial factor in their decision-making process.

Campaign Fallout and Controversy

While the debate was widely praised for its civility, some controversy emerged in the aftermath. Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance refused to say who he believed won the 2020 presidential election, which has been the subject of persistent false claims by his running mate. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump linked a new court filing to the VP debate, criticizing the unsealing of a 165-page document as a "hit job."

Key Takeaways and Analysis

Analysts have identified several key takeaways from the debate, including the candidates' differing positions on policy issues and their approaches to governance. The debate also highlighted the contrasting styles and personalities of the candidates, with Vance presenting himself as a folksy, down-to-earth figure and Walz emphasizing his experience as a governor. As the election enters its final stretch, voters will need to carefully consider these factors as they make their decision at the polls.

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