Washington | Presidential debates are always the main game, but running mates, too, have enjoyed audiences of as many as 50 million viewers when they go head-to-head.

And if even the slightest edge in salesmanship can change the voting intentions of the undecided, the Republican hopeful J. D. Vance probably made a few crucial sales in his debate on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST) against Democrat Tim Walz. At worst, he reminded viewers repeatedly that Donald Trump was the star attraction.