Central Oregon residents make their voices heard after vice presidential debate

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The vice presidential debate between Republican nominee JD Vance and Democratic nominee Tim Walz has come and gone. Let's get some reaction from Central Oregonians.

Mike Wallace, Bend resident: “You know, they're doing this like a football event instead of like America. We're all one team. You know what I mean? Everyone is trying to divide amongst all different kinds of lines. And I'd just like to see them try to unify everything and deal with our economy, the events going on in the Ukraine.”

As the 2024 election nears, many political analysts are questioning the significance of the vice presidential debate.

A number of residents we spoke to expressed the opinion that this debate will have little impact on their decision at the voting booth.  

While the vice president plays a critical role, voters tend to focus more on the presidential candidates themselves, as they shape policies and set the tone of their administrations.

Some residents have made a clear choice, like Facebook respondent Lisa Beth, who said, “JD Vance did amazing.”

Bend resident Melissa Briley said: “If I was to vote, I think (presidential candidate) Kamala (Harris) would make the bigger difference.”

Others say the election will bring nothing but turmoil.

Ron Starkey, Bend resident: “I really don't think it matters either way. If Trump wins - I mean, when women and people that respect women are going to rise up and fight for their rights. And if Kamala's elected, then these Trumpers are just going to - I mean, they've got the guns. I mean, they're going to do what they're going to do, And they've been wanting a reason for civil war for, you know, since they took away their slaves.”

Debates between running mates often lack the headline-grabbing moments that sway undecided voters, making them less influential in shaping public opinion. As a result, the vice presidential debate is often seen as a formality, with limited electoral consequences.

The general consensus is that many community members say neither candidate addressed issues that they're dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

Now, as it relates to what's going to happen in November in what's seen as a very close race for the White House, many community members say they're still undecided.