Expectations high for VP debate

(CNN) - While presidential debates can affect the outcome of an election, vice presidential debates, like this week's match-up between Vice President Joe Biden and his GOP challenger Paul Ryan, are a different animal.

Looking back over the history of vice presidential debates, there may be many memorable moments, but hardly any are game changers.

Analysts say the best advice for vice presidential candidates is to "do no harm," and to play to their strengths.

For Biden, that's his ease in talking about how national policies affect ordinary people. For Ryan, analysts say his ability to speak in detail about policy issues is a big plus.

The debate is slated for Thursday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. EST.