Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz and Republican candidate JD Vance are set to face off in a debate hosted by CBS News in the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election. The debate is taking place in New York without a live audience, coinciding with major news stories including Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in the US and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The vice presidential candidates traditionally play the role of the attack dog for the top of their tickets, with Walz and Vance both engaging in months of criticism against each other. Walz was selected as the Democratic candidate in part due to his portrayal of the GOP ticket as “weird,” while Vance, a military veteran, has questioned Walz’s service record. The debate will be moderated by CBS’ Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan and will air on CNN.
The debate will provide a platform for Walz and Vance to showcase their Middle America roots and introduce their biographies to a wider audience. Walz, a two-term governor and former congressman, will emphasize his background as a high school teacher and football coach, while Vance, a Marine veteran and author, will highlight his Appalachian family values and support for the former President Trump.
With the candidates split on abortion rights, they are likely to use the debate to emphasize their differing views on the issue. Walz has supported Harris’ stance on “freedom,” contrasting with Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court which resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Vance has criticized Walz for his extreme views on abortion, claiming the governor supported measures allowing abortion up to the moment of birth.
Walz emerged as Harris’s running mate in August, gaining attention for his commentary on cable news labeling Trump and Vance as “weird.” Since then, Walz has remained relatively quiet, leading up to the debate where his performance may determine his impact on the election. Vance is expected to challenge Walz on his military record, accusing him of avoiding combat duty, which may be a focal point of the debate.
The Republican candidates have been doubling down on false claims about Haitians in Ohio abducting and eating pets in an effort to bring immigration to the forefront of the debate. Despite these claims being debunked, Trump and Vance have continued to use them to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the border. Walz may use this misinformation as a point of attack during the debate to highlight the Republicans’ questionable rhetoric.
