Clinton Would Have To Rush To Attend The VP Debate

The vice presidential debate is just days away, and it should be a somewhat calm affair compared to what transpired a week prior. The presidential debate, thanks in large part to Republican nominee Donald Trump's unpredictability and potential for meltdown, was every bit the bizarre scene that basically everyone expected. When it comes down to Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine and his Republican counterpart Mike Pence, however, things figure to be a lot more conventional. So, will Hillary Clinton be at the vice presidential debate as her running mate takes the stage?

While it's not clear at this moment whether Clinton will actually be in attendance, one thing is certain: if she does want to be in attendance, it'll make for a pretty hectic schedule. The debate is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and she's scheduled to be at an organizing event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that afternoon. According to her schedule, that event won't end until 5:00 p.m. ET.

As such, she'd have to depart from Harrisburg straight away to get over to the debate hall in Farmville, Virginia. It's nearly 200 or so miles between the two cities, so it's entirely possible for her to make it with some time to spare. After all, it's not so hard to cover long distances when you've got a private jet at your disposal.

It's also true that she's not taking any time off the day after the debate, with a Washington, D.C. fundraiser scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 5. In other words, if she wants to see her running mate's rhetorical clash up-close, she'll be forced to zigzag around the northeast.

In short, Clinton would have to rush to make an appearance at the debate hall on Tuesday night. And if you don't see her there, you shouldn't take it as any sign that she's being insufficiently supportive. Both Clinton and Kaine are old hands at the political game, and both have taken part in many, many debates before. In other words, Clinton probably has every confidence that Kaine will turn in a polished and successful performance. Thus, if there are more valuable ways she could be using that time, she probably ought to.

If you're hungry for a change of pace from last week's wild face-off, then make sure you clear some time to watch. Again, the vice presidential debate will be kicking off at 9:00 p.m. ET, and it'll be carried on all the major news channels, as well as streaming online.