Do Vice Presidential Debates Really Matter?

Political experts offer their opinions on whether the debates affect election outcomes, and if so, how.

(Left) Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) speaks in Mesa, Ariz., on Sept. 4, 2024. (Right) Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Washington on Sept. 7, 2024. Rebecca Noble, Allison Bailey/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Democrat Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the two vice presidential nominees, are set to debate on CBS News on Oct. 1.

With fewer than 40 days to go before Election Day, voters may wonder if vice presidential debates really matter in moving the needle when it comes to the election—and if so, how.