Three debates in one: VP candidates debate each other and their running mates
Vice Presidential debates rarely receive the same attention as the all-pervading Presidential debates. This year is different. According to a Politico/Morning Consult poll, seven in ten voters say they will watch the Vice Presidential debate tonight, making it all too likely that we’ll have yet another record-rated debate for the history books. In an ordinary election year, Vice Presidential candidates are merely surrogates for the top of the ticket. This year is different. Both Tim Kaine and Mike Pence have sincerely different policy views than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump respectively (and irrespectively). I will be watching tonight’s debate to see not just how Kaine and Pence debate their own competing views, but to see how they reconcile these views with those at the top of their ticket.
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Donald Trump and Mike Pence disagree on many issues. From creating and running the application VoterGuru, a platform that tracks where politicians stand on key issues, I am acutely aware of where these policy differences exist. For example, Trump has argued to expand Medicare to low income families (he has since clarified and stated he is only in favor of robust HSAs). Pence has voted against expanding Medicare and is in favor of transitioning to a voucher program. Additionally, Trump has been opaque about where he stands on many issues. Will Pence help clarify the Trump platform or will he define his own beliefs, perhaps often in opposition to Trump?
Likewise, Tim Kaine has gradually shifted left on several issues and as a result, aligns more with Clinton. He has shifted his views from opposing abortions to supporting Roe v Wade. His positions on Gun Control have likewise shifted left in recent years. Tonight, Kaine will have the opportunity to firmly layout his stance on key issues. While I expect he will support Clinton’s plans, I am looking for how he responds to Pence insisting he justify his change in viewpoints.
A significant policy divide exists between the Vice Presidential candidates and their Presidential counterparts. As people tune in to watch the Vice Presidential Debate, I will be watching the more subtle undercard: The debate between the Presidential Candidates and their own running mates.
Ben Krakow is the co-founder of voter to politician matchmaking platform @Voter_Guru, and will be providing updates on Twitter throughout the debate about how the VP candidates align with their running mates.