In their only debate of the 2004 campaign held at Case Western Reserve University, vice presidential candidates debated foreign policy and domestic issues. Among the issues they addressed were operations in Iraq, efforts to combat terrorism, nuclear proliferation, the state of the economy, and health care.

Ms. Ifill moderated the debate with both candidates seated at a semicircular table with visible timing devices to indicate the remaining allotted times for responses. The debate was telecast in a split-screen format, showing candidates responses to questions alongside reaction shots from the opponent.