A combination picture shows Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) speaking during his first rally as Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s running mate, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. July 20, 2024, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking inside the Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, Wisconsin, U.S., January 25, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo
Vice Presidential Debate Set Between Tim Walz and JD Vance
On Tuesday, Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance will face off in the only vice presidential debate ahead of the November 5 election. Both candidates have garnered significant media attention due to their political histories and rhetoric, positioning this debate as a key moment for both campaigns.
Candidates’ Backgrounds
Walz, 60, is the governor of Minnesota, known for his liberal policies and prior experience as a high school teacher. Vance, 40, is a conservative senator from Ohio and bestselling author, noted for his outspoken views. Although both candidates come from the American Midwest, their political positions are starkly different, reflecting the divisions in the current political landscape.
Walz has previously characterized his Republican opponents as “weird,” while Vance has faced criticism for disparaging some Democrats as “childless cat ladies.”
Debate Format and Expectations
The 90-minute debate will take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York and is expected to be combative. Both candidates will not only defend their records but also represent their running mates, Vice President Kamala Harris for Walz and former President Donald Trump for Vance. Trump has announced that he will provide live commentary on social media during the debate, which will begin at 9 p.m. (0100 GMT on Wednesday).
Harris and Trump previously faced off in a debate on September 10 in Philadelphia, which Harris was widely seen as winning. However, that debate did little to shift the race, which remains closely contested. While Harris leads slightly in national polls, the election is still highly competitive in key battleground states.
Potential Impact of the Debate
Political analysts note that vice presidential debates rarely shift the overall trajectory of a presidential election. Thomas Alan Schwartz, a presidential historian at Vanderbilt University, remarked that historically, such debates have had limited influence on election outcomes. The 2020 vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and then-Vice President Mike Pence is perhaps best remembered for a fly that landed on Pence’s head during the debate.
Nevertheless, this will be the final major opportunity for Walz and Vance to make their case to voters before early voting ramps up across the country.
Key Issues and Debate Strategy
Both candidates are expected to engage in pointed attacks. Walz, a former high school football coach who has cultivated a down-to-earth image, will likely press Vance on several controversial statements. These include Vance’s 2021 comments criticizing Harris and other Democrats as “childless cat ladies” and his role in spreading a false story about Haitian immigrants allegedly eating pets in Ohio—an unfounded claim that was echoed by Trump and led to bomb threats against local officials.
Walz is expected to use the debate to introduce himself to a broader national audience while keeping the focus on the Harris-Biden administration’s agenda. A Walz adviser, speaking anonymously, emphasized that Walz will aim to maintain his authentic image rather than adopt a more polished debate style.
For his part, Vance is expected to force Walz to defend the Biden administration’s policies on immigration and the economy, as well as his handling of the 2020 protests in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd. Additionally, Vance may bring up questions surrounding Walz’s military service. Republicans have accused Walz of overstating his rank in the Army National Guard, where he served for 24 years. Although Walz achieved the rank of command sergeant major, he did not retire with that title. Walz has also been criticized for comments made during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign in which he referred to carrying “weapons of war,” despite never being deployed to a combat zone.
Vance, a former Marine who served as a military journalist, will likely draw on his military experience during the debate. However, like Walz, Vance never saw combat during his service.
Debate Preparation
Walz has been preparing for the debate with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has played the role of Vance in mock debates. Buttigieg, like Vance, is from the Midwest and has reportedly worn a red tie to mimic Vance’s attire. According to a Walz adviser, the governor’s debate prep has focused on remaining authentic rather than attempting to match Vance’s more aggressive debate style.
Vance has prepared for the debate with U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer standing in as Walz during practice sessions.
Public Perception
Polling data suggests that U.S. voters have mixed opinions about both candidates. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from September 20-23 found that 51% of registered voters view Vance unfavorably, compared to 39% with a favorable view. In contrast, Walz is viewed favorably by 44% of registered voters, with 43% holding an unfavorable opinion.
The debate offers both candidates a final opportunity to sway undecided voters and solidify support as the election approaches.
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