Vance and Walz prepare for high-stakes VP debate; how they differ, what to expect
JD Vance vs. Tim Walz in Vice Presidential Debate showdown As the candidates head into their matchup, Vance will look to impress former President Donald Trump and Walz seeks to introduce himself to a wider national audience. So lets get into it and a break down what to expect.
Vance: The Keys to Trump Impressions
One viewer who stands out is particularly important for Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance: Donald Trump. Vance was picked as his running mate by the former president, who famously monitored TV broadcasts about candidate performances with a close eye. A vocal supporter of Trump, Vance has made the president a focal point of his political career. Vance is not an experienced debater and can be expected to return quickly to his comfort zone – immigration, the economy and public safety, where he has been more aggressive.
The introduction of Walz to America
Tim Walz, however, will have a vastly different problem on his hands. While he has spent decades in politics, outside of Minnesota many voters do not know him. WALZ: As Kamala Harris’ Running Mate, It’s Walz’s Job To Make An Impression On The National Stage. Walz has a calm demeanor, he is experienced in debates and should be defending DFL policies while touting his accomplishments in office.
Debate Format and Rules
Tuesday night at 9 P.M. ET at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City will be where the debate between these two transpires. The event will run 90 minutes and be moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan. The event will take place without a live audience and the candidates will have two minutes to answer questions, with responses followed by rebuttals. Especially considering no topics will be known ahead of time and left to a conversation on the fly between the candidates.
What’s at Stake?
This is the only debate between the vice-presidential candidates, and it comes as the polls show few weeks before Election Day. It is neck and neck, make no mistake But for Vance, this is his chance to solidify his image as a loyal acolyte of Trump. He said it’s an opportunity for Walz to highlight his record and swing the undecided voters.
But people are used to the debate, aren´t they?
Walz has faced off against various opponents in debates over the years, including during his gubernatorial campaigns, but Vance’s debate record is more narrow. But Vance is well practiced in television and sharp-tongued debate, a talent that could serve him well when he has to improvise an answer to a tough question. The two men have been friends for years and have always avoided personal attacks on the lone campaign trail but their debate styles could offer a lively clash.
Key Issues and Strategies
Vance is likely to home in on immigration and the economy — two areas that really matter for the GOP base. He has had a talent in previous debates at connecting subjects such as the opioid crisis with immigration. In response, Walz will likely point to his work that has had bipartisan support and examine how he has handled larger issues like healthcare and public safety.
Final Thoughts
While vice presidential debates rarely influence the course of an election, this one might be more interesting than previous outings like the sedated 2016 face-off between Tim Kaine and Mike Pence. Given that both are national novices, next week’s debate offers a high-stakes opportunity for each to define his place in the 2016 contest.
This likely-to-be cantankerous debate could set the tone for the last months of campaigning in 2024, an opportunity for voters to get a better sense of each candidate’s agenda and style.