Just three weeks after Kamala Harris and Donald J. Trump engaged in a fiery and often hostile presidential debate, their running mates, Tim Walz and JD Vance, met for their own face-off — and struck a very different chord.

Reid J. Epstein, a politics reporter for The Times, explains why this debate was so different and what it could mean for the race.

Guest: Reid J. Epstein, a politics reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Read coverage of the debate.
• Analysis: Mr. Vance strained to sell a softer image of Mr. Trump.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Soon, you’ll need a subscription to keep full access to this show, and to other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don’t miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.