CBS News poll shows what Vance and Walz think before debate.

The upcoming vice presidential debate on Tuesday night has piqued the interest of most voters, with anticipation for what they can learn about the candidates. While many are eager to support their own side or witness any potential missteps from the opposing party, the focus remains on gaining insights into the contenders.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance are set to face off in a debate moderated by CBS News, both enjoying strong support within their respective parties. Democrats view Walz favorably, believing he enhances their ticket, while Republicans see Vance as a valuable addition to their lineup.

Despite being perceived as competent by a majority of voters, both candidates are yet to sway the public on a crucial aspect of their role – proving their readiness to assume the presidency if the need arises.

Democrats express increasing enthusiasm for Walz since his nomination, while Vance maintains steady support, particularly from MAGA Republicans. While partisan affiliations fuel spirited cheering, the majority of viewers are keen on gaining substantive knowledge about the candidates, with a significant portion hoping to make an informed voting decision based on the debate.

Key issues like the economy, immigration, and America’s core values are top priorities for voters, signaling a desire for policy discussions over personal or trivial matters. Surprisingly, there is little interest in hearing the candidates criticize each other or delve into irrelevant details.

Walz is perceived as a greater asset to the Democratic ticket compared to Vance’s impact on the Republican side. This sentiment is echoed by voters overall, with Democrats more convinced of Walz’s contribution than Republicans are of Vance’s.

Partisan biases also extend to how each candidate is perceived, with Democrats and Republicans showing clear preferences for their respective nominees. Notably, a gender gap emerges in voters’ attitudes towards the candidates, with women more inclined to favor Walz, while men show stronger support for Vance.

Despite political divisions, there is a shared belief among voters that the outcome of this election holds greater significance than the previous one, underscoring the high stakes involved. As the debate approaches, all eyes are on the candidates as they strive to make a compelling case for their candidacy.

According to a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with 2,011 registered voters nationwide from September 25-27, 2024, the sample was weighted to reflect the demographic makeup of the U.S. population. The margin of error for registered voters is ±2.7 points, providing a reliable snapshot of voter sentiments leading up to the much-anticipated vice presidential debate.