The vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s running mates, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance, is set to take place five weeks before the election. This debate could be the final opportunity for both candidates to make their case to the American public on national television. Walz and Vance, relatively unknown on the national stage before this election, have specific approaches to debating based on their past performances.
The upcoming debate between Walz and Vance could be the last of the 2024 election cycle as Trump has rejected calls for a second debate. With the race tightening and early voting underway, this debate presents a crucial moment for both running mates. The debate will provide them with the opportunity to introduce themselves to the public and close out their campaigns. Democratic strategist Rebecca Pearcey noted the significance of the debate as there are no more presidential debates scheduled.
Both Walz and Vance have had previous debate experience, with Walz participating in debates since 2010 and Vance only recently entering the political scene. While the two candidates share some similarities in their approach to debates, they also have distinct differences. Vance, known to be sharp and quick on his feet, has focused on policy areas like immigration and the economy in past debates. Walz, on the other hand, has been described as bipartisan and knowledgeable in policy matters.
Vance’s debate experience is limited compared to Walz’s but has received attention during his campaign for the Senate. Critics have noted Vance’s tendency to stray off-topic in debates but also his quick wit and ability to respond effectively to questions. A Yale Law School graduate, Vance enjoys debating and often links policy issues like immigration to broader topics like drug control. Despite his lack of extensive debate experience, Vance has honed his skills through numerous TV appearances during the campaign.
In contrast, Walz’s experience as a debater goes back many years, with several congressional and gubernatorial debates under his belt. The Minnesota Governor is known for his calm demeanor and ability to attack opponents’ policies without resorting to personal insults. Both in his time as a congressman and as governor, Walz has been consistent in his approach to debates, emphasizing his bipartisan work and policy knowledge. His opponents have noted his strong grasp of policy details and his ease in debate settings.
While vice presidential debates may not typically have a significant impact on voter decisions, allies and strategists for both Walz and Vance expect this one to be different. Both candidates are relatively new to the national spotlight and have garnered substantial attention as running mates. The debate will provide them with an opportunity to defend their tickets’ platforms and make a lasting impression on the American public. As the final scheduled debate of the election cycle, the Walz-Vance matchup is anticipated to be an important moment in the campaign.
