When we think about the vice-presidency, it’s easy to assume it’s a supporting role, a “backup quarterback” position, only relevant in case something happens to the president. But vice-presidential debates, while often flying under the radar, give us a rare glimpse into the people who might one day be asked to step up in a crisis. These debates are more than just routine political theater—they’re a chance for voters to see how candidates think, argue, and handle pressure. And over the years, they’ve offered some pretty memorable moments. So, let’s walk through the history of these debates, candidate by candidate, and see what we’ve learned from them.
The first vice-presidential debate took place in 1976 between Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter’s running mate, and Bob Dole, who was paired with Gerald Ford. This was uncharted territory for both candidates. Up until that point, vice-presidential candidates were background figures, usually just supporting their running mates from afar. But in this debate, the two had to stand on their own. Mondale, calm and collected, was praised for his steady demeanor, while Dole raised eyebrows with a remark that Democrats were responsible for wars stretching back to the early 20th century. It was fiery, and for the first time, the vice-presidential debate showed the American public that these candidates mattered.
In 1980, there was no vice-presidential debate, but four years later, in 1984, things heated up again. George H.W. Bush faced off against Geraldine Ferraro, who was making history as the first woman to be nominated for vice president by a major political party. This debate was notable not only for its gender dynamics but for its substantive discussion on policy. Bush had to tread carefully, and Ferraro stood her ground, especially when Bush appeared to talk down to her, sparking one of the more memorable moments of the night. Ferraro’s performance is remembered as a breakthrough, proving that a woman could hold her own on the national stage.
The 1988 debate is one of the more famous ones, largely because of a line that Dan Quayle would never live down. Facing off against Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, Quayle compared his experience to that of John F. Kennedy’s, to which Bentsen shot back with the now-iconic zinger, “Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.” That moment became the debate's defining feature, overshadowing nearly everything else that was discussed. Quayle struggled to shake off that critique for the rest of his political career.
In 1992, we saw a three-way vice-presidential debate for the first time, featuring Democrat Al Gore, Republican Dan Quayle, and independent James Stockdale, running mate to Ross Perot. Stockdale, an accomplished military man but a political outsider, opened the debate with the blunt questions: “Who am I? Why am I here?” The moment became a punchline, but it also reflected the challenges that third-party candidates face in trying to stand out. Meanwhile, Quayle sought to redeem himself after the 1988 debacle, but Gore, who would later become vice president, managed to shine with a polished and articulate performance.
By 1996, the vice-presidential debate between Democrat Al Gore and Republican Jack Kemp was less confrontational, more focused on policy differences. Gore, now running for re-election as Bill Clinton’s vice president, was confident and well-versed in the administration’s successes, while Kemp, a former football player turned politician, leaned into his charm and economic expertise. Though the debate didn’t produce any viral moments, it reinforced the idea that these candidates were serious contenders in their own right.
In 2000, the debate between Democrat Joe Lieberman and Republican Dick Cheney was widely seen as a calm, measured exchange. Lieberman, running with Al Gore, made history as the first Jewish candidate on a major party ticket, while Cheney, who had served as Secretary of Defense, brought a wealth of experience. The two men largely avoided personal attacks and instead focused on their visions for the country, in what was seen as a dignified and substantive debate.
In 2004, the dynamic changed again when Dick Cheney returned to the debate stage, this time facing off against John Edwards, a charismatic young senator from North Carolina running alongside John Kerry. The contrast between the two was stark—Cheney, experienced and direct, versus Edwards, youthful and energetic. While the debate was mostly civil, Cheney’s steady and calm demeanor helped to reinforce the Bush administration’s message of strength in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
The 2008 vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin was one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Palin, a fresh face on the national stage with her folksy charm, was tasked with reenergizing the Republican base, while Biden, a seasoned politician, needed to demonstrate his depth of knowledge. The contrast between Biden’s wonkiness and Palin’s conversational style made for interesting television, and while Palin’s performance didn’t match the hype that surrounded her candidacy, she connected with voters in her own way.
In 2012, Biden returned to the debate stage, this time facing off against Republican Paul Ryan. Biden’s experience and aggressive style were on full display, as he repeatedly interrupted Ryan to challenge his policy positions. Ryan, a younger candidate known for his budget expertise, held his own, but Biden’s performance was widely seen as a win for the Democrats, helping to reframe the narrative of the Obama administration’s handling of the economy.
Finally, in 2020, the debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence marked yet another historic moment. Harris, the first woman of color to run for vice president on a major party ticket, brought a sharp prosecutorial style to the debate, while Pence, with the calm demeanor of a practiced politician, aimed to defend the Trump administration’s controversial record. The exchanges were pointed, especially on issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice, and while neither candidate dominated, it was Harris’s historic candidacy that left a lasting impact on viewers.
So, what do we take away from all of this? Vice-presidential debates may not always change the course of an election, but they give us a deeper look into the people who might one day become president. These debates have given us iconic moments, from Bentsen’s famous line to Stockdale’s introspective question, and they’ve shown us how much the vice-presidency—and politics in general—has changed over time. Each candidate brought something different to the table, and while not all of them ended up in the White House, their performances shaped how we see the vice-presidency and its role in our democracy.
It’s easy to overlook these debates in the grand scheme of things, but they remind us that the vice president is more than just a backup. They’re leaders in their own right, ready to step up if the moment demands it. So the next time there’s a vice-presidential debate, pay attention—you never know when you might be watching a future president in the making, like Tim Walz or J.D. Vance, both of whom are positioning themselves as key players for the future.
