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CBS 42

CBS 42

Why Tuesday’s vice presidential debate could matter more than history suggests

CBS 42
Summary
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77% Informative

Tim Walz and JD Vance face off in their first and only debate on Tuesday .

The vice president presides over the Senate and is empowered to break ties.

His main job is to be ready to take over if something happens to the president.

Nine have done so following a president’s death or departure from office.

But many voters view vice presidential nominees as appendages of candidates who selected them.

A key caveat might be that, given just how close the current race is looking to be in swing states, “It’s always possible that, at the margins, it may matter,” Jones said.

But, more likely, both Walz and Vance will simply need to avoid memorable unforced errors.