Why the Vice Presidential Debate Matters

One of the most familiar quips of American politics was coined by John Nance Garner, the Texan who served as vice president under President Franklin Roosevelt from 1933 to 1941. Mocking the position that he accepted after having served as speaker of the House, Garner reportedly said that the vice presidency was not worth a bucket of warm piss.

The joke stuck, an enduring commentary about why the second person in command in the United States does not matter. Since John Adams was the first person to hold the office, Garner’s observation has been shared by a long list of people who have ascended to the position. The insult has extended into televised vice presidential debates, which we have been having since 1976, and one of which is coming up on Tuesday night as Sen. JD Vance squares off against Gov. Tim Walz. The conventional wisdom goes that while the upcoming debate might make or break one of their careers, it will not be very important to the election.

But the recurring jokes—which include an acclaimed comedy series revolving around the office, Veep, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus—are misleading. Throughout the 20th century, the office of the vice presidency grew significantly in importance. Though not the person sitting behind the Resolute desk, under skillful hands, vice presidents have wielded considerable influence and the scope of the office has steadily grown.

When Vance and Walz square off on Tuesday, Americans should evaluate both men not just for what they mean to the presidential campaign—but for what kind of role they will play as governing partners.

The Constitution outlines two major responsibilities for vice presidents. Article 2, Section 1 states that “in Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President.” This provision has come into play several times in American history with great consequence.