Photo // CBS News

 ‘IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE’. JD Vance and Tim Walz shake hands after a very respectful debate of trying to appeal to voters.

By: Claire McKenna 

Staff-Writer

On Oct. 1, the American Democracy Project at IU South Bend hosted another debate watch party. Once again, the ADP offered pizza and bingo, but this time students watched the first and only debate between the vice presidential candidates. The turnout was fewer than the presidential debate but still sizable, with 53 people in attendance. Before the debate started, a few ADP members explained what to expect from this debate, noting that the candidate’s microphones could be muted.  

Many students mentioned that they did not know much about the candidates, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.), and were interested in this opportunity to learn more about them. ADP member Elizabeth Howard agreed that students and young voters should educate themselves on who these candidates are.  

“Instead of seeing highlights online, I think it is important for voters to watch the debate and see what they are discussing,” Howard said. 

The CBS moderators repeated frequently that there was “a lot to get to”, as this was the only time the candidates would debate. With their 90 minutes, they discussed topics including abortion, immigration, climate change and their running mates. 

The debate was civil. In fact, the candidates often found themselves agreeing with each other, even though each “agreement” was followed by a counterargument. With few interruptions and only one moment where Vance’s microphone was muted, the debate seemed very respectful, which was surprising and refreshing to students. 

“I’m really surprised it’s this organized,” Apollos Collins said. “I like that they’re respecting each other.” 

“While they are still against each other, there are things that they can agree on,” Sarah Farrough noted. “We need someone to talk for the people, and in some instances, that’s what they’re doing.” 

The students said they left feeling more informed about each candidate and where they stood on certain topics and feeling more confident in their votes. The ADP made a list of all their upcoming events that students could take with them. 

Some of those events include the second Indiana governor debate watch party on Oct. 24, Party to the Polls on Oct. 29 and an election results watch party on Nov. 5. 

To check your voter registration status, visit indianavoters.in.gov.