What Globe journalists are watching

I look at how much they use the platform to attack the top of the opposing ticket rather than each other. Is Vance even bothering to demolish Walz’s record as governor or is he using his time to criticize Harris? Does Walz mention Vance’s false attacks on Haitians in Ohio, or does he keep the focus on Trump? The number one job of the running mate is to do no harm. Who achieves this goal best tonight?

Jim Puzzanghera, national political reporter

I’m interested to know how much Vance tries to tailor his answers to please Trump rather than appeal to the remaining undecided voters who could swing the election. Trump said he would comment on the debate live on his social media platform and would like to hear targeted attacks on Harris and Walz. Vance has no problem going on the attack, but I wonder how much he might amplify things knowing that Trump will criticize him in real time. While aggressive attack lines will make Trump happy, too many of them might not please still-hesitant voters. Then again, Trump himself doesn’t seem to be making a particular effort to appeal to these voters.

Sam Brodey, national political reporter

How “weird” do things get? Running mates are generally expected to keep the attention away from themselves and on top of the ticket, but Vance and Walz’s own records have drawn plenty of attention from both sides. I’ll be watching to see how much time they spend chasing each other, especially Walz. The Minnesota governor pioneered the now-ubiquitous “weird” slogan for today’s Republican Party, and he will have plenty of material, like Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies,” to highlight that point to a national audience. The Ohio senator will likely point to Walz’s record as governor to argue the ticket is radical, but Republicans appear eager for him to highlight claims the governor wasn’t entirely honest about his military past.

Emma Platoff, political enterprise journalist

I’m curious to look at this debate as a personality study. Walz relied on his popular charm, winning over some Americans by presenting himself as the Midwestern dad next door. Vance, meanwhile, can seem more combative, especially with the media, a tactic we might see playing with tonight’s moderators. What interests me is seeing different men from different generations compete. I’ll also be monitoring how much of the debate focuses on the latest headlines — such as the recovery from Hurricane Helen and Iranian missiles fired at Israel — versus the usual campaign talking points.