On Oct. 1, vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance faced off on the debate stage. Their approach to this debate was plenty less surly than the previous debate between their running mates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

It was somewhat of a refreshing debate as they took a cordial approach. There was not a lot of hostility between the candidates. They even shared moments of compassion, grace and reverence, which is unlikely to happen with Trump on the debate stage.

Vance appeared to step off the stage having gotten the better of Walz, who expressed before the debate to Harris, debating is not his strong suit. Nonetheless, Walz did back Vance into a corner just as time expired when Vance could not declare Trump lost in 2020. But Vance must unwaveringly support Trump despite his falsities.

Overall, Vance appeared much more comfortable in the limelight whereas Walz apologized too much and, frankly, appeared grandfatherly.

Vice-presidential debates, however, have very little weight in the outcome of elections. It’s simply more of a time for candidates to get face time, address the masses and share policy.

Recent polling by Emerson College shows Harris with 50% of voter support, while Trump is close behind at 48%. With less than a month until election day, this race will be a photo finish. Neither candidate has been able to surge ahead in the polls; anything can happen on Nov. 5.