The presidential candidates had the first of three debates last week. Thursday night will represent the one and only time the vice presidential candidates lock horns.
Cassidy McGowan, social studies teacher at Luxemburg-Casco High School, says for many American voters this will be the first extended look at 42-year-old Paul Ryan and it's important for the Wisconsin congressman to make a good first impression.
McGowan says the debate takes on added significance for Vice President Joe Biden because of what most political experts say was a below-average performance by President Barack Obama in last week's presidential debate with Mitt Romney.
For those who may question the significance of the vice presidential debate, McGowan points out that 13 vice presidents have gone on to become U.S. President, so he says there's a 30% chance that either Ryan or Biden could ascend to that post.
Thursday night's debate will take place at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.
