It seems that 2020 could bring the vice presidential debate to another level, since what has normally been considered a political sideshow event now draws thousands of netizens to their screens and sets the #VPDebates hashtag trending.
Hours before California Senator Kamala Harris and incumbent Vice President Mike Pence take the stage in Salt Lake City, Utah, people on social media seemed to be preparing for the debate even harder than the contestants: and while for some it's best to check up the takeaways in the morning, others have set up watching parties - virtual, of course - and cannot wait for the show to begin.
While the Trump-Biden debate turned into chaotic turmoil as the two insulted each other all night and Biden told Trump to "shut up", the Harris-Pence face-off is expected as a battle of actual political programs. However, for many users, the exodus seems to be obvious.
Some expect Harris to roast her Republican rival on the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, with others recalling the Senator's keen interrogation of US Attorney General William Barr.
The most enthusiastic viewers are getting ready for the debate with special party-like ideas, suggesting "VP debate bingo" and a drinking game.
Memes are predictably flocking the hashtag on VP debates.
Other netizens voice their support for Pence, regarding him as "a real gentleman".
Those who do not voice their support for anyone in particular are still expecting the debate to be "insightful".