The Commission on Presidential Debates has officially announced that the University of Utah will host the highly anticipated vice presidential debate. This marks a historic moment for Utah, as it will be the first time the state has ever hosted a national debate. The debate will take place at Kingsbury Hall, within the Nancy Peery Marriott Auditorium on the university campus.
Since 1988, the Commission on Presidential Debates, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, has been the leading sponsor for all general election presidential and vice presidential debates. Their selection of the University of Utah underscores the institution’s and the state’s capacity to host events of national significance.
Ruth Watkins, President of the University of Utah, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is a tremendous honor to host a vice presidential debate, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase our university and our state.” She further highlighted the educational benefits for students, emphasizing, “I am excited for our students to be able to participate in this important component of the political process. It will be an incredible educational experience for them. Civic engagement is a core value of our democracy, and students will be able to see firsthand how being involved in the political process matters.”
Utah’s selection is particularly noteworthy as it is the only western state chosen to host one of the presidential debates or the vice presidential debate in the upcoming cycle. This highlights Utah’s growing prominence on the national stage and its ability to manage large-scale, high-profile events.
Governor Gary Herbert of Utah emphasized the state’s proven track record in hosting successful events, referencing the 2002 Winter Olympics. “Utah has a proven record of successfully hosting events on a large scale,” Gov. Herbert noted. “The 2002 Winter Olympics are widely considered to be the most economically successful in Olympic history. Our citizens have an excellent reputation for hospitality, and Salt Lake City has a strong infrastructure for travel and tourism. We look forward to welcoming the 2020 candidates and media from across the world.”
Thomas Wright, co-chair of the Utah Debate Commission, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Utah has the opportunity to once again stand on the world stage to showcase our citizens, our values, and our tremendous Utah lifestyle.” He also thanked state leaders and supporters for their efforts in securing Utah as a debate host.
While the specific time of the vice presidential debate is yet to be announced, these debates are typically held in the evening hours to maximize viewership across different time zones. Historically, vice presidential debates often take place in the 9:00 PM Eastern Time slot, but viewers should stay tuned for updates from the Commission on Presidential Debates for the confirmed timing and broadcast details as 2020 approaches. Details regarding the debate format and the moderator will also be released by the Commission in 2020.
Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, emphasized the alignment of this event with the university’s mission. “It has always been the mission of the Hinckley Institute and the University of Utah to provide our students with unparalleled and transformative opportunities to learn about politics and become civically engaged,” Perry said. “Hosting a 2020 vice presidential debate will allow us to accomplish both of these goals on a world stage.”
Karen Hale, co-chair of the Utah Debate Commission, highlighted the local impact of hosting the debate. “The selection of Salt Lake City as a venue for a vice presidential debate offers residents throughout the state an especially unique opportunity for civic engagement,” she stated. “The national—and international—focus on a vice presidential debate here in Utah has the capacity to elevate residents’ curiosity and awareness about the issues and the candidates.”
As anticipation builds for the vice presidential debate, residents and viewers nationwide are encouraged to follow announcements from the Commission on Presidential Debates and the University of Utah for further details regarding the exact time and how to watch this pivotal event in the political calendar.
