What is a Vice Presidential Debate?
Before we dive into the specifics of who will be hosting the upcoming vice presidential debate, let’s first define what this event is all about. A vice presidential debate is a televised forum where the two vice presidential candidates from the major political parties in the United States come together to discuss their policies and opinions on various issues.
The vice presidential debate has been held since 1976 and has become an important part of the election process, giving voters the opportunity to see the personalities and leadership styles of the candidates. However, it’s worth noting that the vice presidential debate doesn’t have as much impact on the outcome of the election as the presidential debates do.
Who is Hosting the Vice Presidential Debate?
Now that we have a better understanding of what the vice presidential debate is, let’s take a look at who will be hosting this year’s event. According to recent reports, the upcoming vice presidential debate will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020.
Susan Collins
Susan Collins is a Republican senator from Maine who has been in Congress since 1995. She is known for her moderate views and has often been seen as a swing vote in key votes. While she has not yet announced whether she will be the moderator of the vice presidential debate, it’s possible that she could be chosen due to her bipartisan reputation and experience hosting debates in the past.
Tim Kaine
Tim Kaine is a Democratic senator from Virginia who served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. He has been in Congress since 1993 and has a background in law and public service. While he has not yet announced whether he will be the moderator of the vice presidential debate, it’s possible that he could be chosen due to his experience as Vice President and his knowledge of the political landscape.
Martha Hoover
Martha Hoover is a former president of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), which is responsible for organizing and hosting the presidential and vice presidential debates. She has been with the CPD since 1983 and has served as its president since 2005.
John King
John King is a CNN anchor and chief political correspondent who has been with the network since 2010. He is known for his in-depth reporting and analysis of political events, and has hosted numerous debates and forums in the past.
Pros and Cons of Different Hosting Options
Now that we have a better understanding of who might be hosting the upcoming vice presidential debate, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.
Susan Collins
Pros:
- Known for her moderate views and bipartisan approach, which could help to bridge the political divide between the two candidates.
- Has experience hosting debates in the past, including the 2016 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
- Could bring a fresh perspective to the moderating role, as she is not directly tied to either party.
Cons:
- May face criticism from some for being too close to President Trump due to her support of his Supreme Court nominees.
- Could be seen as a less experienced moderator compared to some of the other options on this list.
- Her bipartisan approach could make it difficult for her to ask tough questions or challenge the candidates on controversial issues.
Tim Kaine
Pros:
- Has experience as Vice President, giving him a unique insight into the political landscape and the role of the vice president.
- Could bring a sense of familiarity to the moderating role, as he has already participated in several debates during his time as vice president.
- Could help to keep the debate on track and focused, as he has experience managing complex discussions and negotiations.
Cons:
- May face criticism from some for being too close to Barack Obama due to his time as vice president.
- Could be seen as a less impartial moderator compared to some of the other options on this list.
- His background in law may make it difficult for him to connect with some viewers who are not familiar with legal jargon or procedures.
Martha Hoover
Pros:
- Has extensive experience hosting debates, giving her a deep understanding of the logistics and challenges involved in moderating a high-profile event like the vice presidential debate.
- Could bring a sense of stability and continuity to the moderating role, as she has been with the Commission on Presidential Debates since 2005.
- Could help to maintain order and decorum during the debate, as she is used to managing complex discussions and negotiations.
Cons:
- May face criticism from some for being too closely tied to the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has been criticized in the past for its perceived bias towards certain candidates or political parties.
- Could be seen as less experienced in hosting debates compared to some of the other options on this list, as she has not directly moderated a presidential or vice presidential debate before.
- Her experience with the Commission on Presidential Debates may make it difficult for her to ask tough questions or challenge the candidates on controversial issues.
John King
Pros:
- Has experience as a CNN anchor and chief political correspondent, giving him a deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to ask insightful questions.
- Has hosted numerous debates and forums in the past, demonstrating his experience in moderating high-profile events.
- Could bring a sense of neutrality to the moderating role, as he is not directly tied to either major political party.
Cons:
- May face criticism from some for being too close to CNN or the mainstream media, which has been criticized in the past for its perceived bias towards certain candidates or political parties.
- Could be seen as less experienced in hosting debates compared to some of the other options on this list, as he has not directly moderated a presidential or vice presidential debate before.
- His experience with CNN may make it difficult for him to ask tough questions or challenge the candidates on controversial issues.
