Last Vice Presidential Debate of 2024: Vance vs. Walz \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The vice presidential debate between Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz may be the last major debate of the 2024 campaign season. Both have embraced their roles as vocal defenders of their respective presidential nominees, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. With polls tightly contested, the debate’s outcome could sway undecided voters.
Vance vs. Walz Vice Presidential Debate: Quick Looks
- Last VP Debate?: The debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz may be the final of the 2024 campaign.
- Attack Dogs: Both candidates assume the traditional “attack dog” role, defending Harris and Trump.
- Polls Are Close: With tight polls, even a vice presidential debate could sway undecided voters.
- AP-NORC Poll: Tim Walz is reportedly better liked than Vance, giving Vance a potential disadvantage.
- Vance’s Prep: Vance prepared with his wife and aides, with Rep. Tom Emmer acting as Walz.
- Walz’s Prep: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg helped Tim Walz prepare by role-playing Vance.
Deep Look
Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate between Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz could mark the last debate of the 2024 campaign season, barring any unexpected additions to the schedule. The debate, which will be hosted by CBS News in New York, pits Vance, a senator from Ohio, against Walz, the governor of Minnesota. Both candidates have fully embraced the traditional “attack dog” role, fiercely defending their respective running mates — former President Donald Trump for the Republican ticket and Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic ticket.
Conventional political wisdom often suggests that vice presidential debates do not carry much weight in determining election outcomes. However, with polls showing a close race, even a small shift in support could have a significant impact on this contentious election. This debate could be especially crucial since Harris and Trump have not committed to a second presidential debate, making this likely the last major head-to-head confrontation of the campaign.
A new AP-NORC poll indicates that Tim Walz is better liked than his opponent J.D. Vance, which could pose an additional challenge for the Republican candidate. Public perception, especially in such a highly charged political environment, could prove decisive as each candidate works to sway voters on the margins.
Despite claiming that he didn’t “have to prepare that much” because of his “well-developed views on public policy,” Vance still participated in multiple debate prep sessions. He was joined by his wife, Usha Vance, and senior aides, with Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota standing in as a proxy for Walz. According to sources familiar with his preparations, Vance relied on these sessions to refine his approach, even while publicly downplaying the importance of debate preparation.
On the other hand, Tim Walz’s preparations involved a more traditional approach. Walz conducted his debate rehearsals from a Minneapolis hotel, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg playing the role of Vance. This setting provided an opportunity for Walz and his team to go through rigorous simulations, preparing him to counter Vance’s talking points and present his policy positions effectively.
Although the debate is poised to be a significant political event, Tuesday brought additional headlines that added context to the day’s drama. Former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Wisconsin, once again took aim at his favorite targets. Even on the occasion of former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, Trump couldn’t resist a jab, suggesting that Carter was “the happiest man” because President Joe Biden had now taken the title of “worst president.” Despite the dig, Trump offered no direct recognition of Carter’s milestone birthday or his status as the longest-living former president, who has been in hospice care for the past 19 months.
Two notable Republican figures, former Wisconsin Governors Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker, spoke at Trump’s rally, urging attendees to campaign in liberal strongholds like Dane County. Both emphasized the importance of increasing Republican turnout in these traditionally Democratic areas, noting that while Dane County is home to the state capital of Madison, it also has a substantial number of Republican voters. Walker encouraged Trump supporters to reach beyond their usual circles, reminding them that “life was better when Donald J. Trump was president.”
Trump’s campaigning comes as he attempts to bolster support in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state. He visited a manufacturing facility in Waunakee, just outside Madison, where he discussed economic issues and aimed to energize his base. The former president also planned an event later in Milwaukee, hoping to reach the conservative suburbs surrounding Wisconsin’s largest city, where his support has waned since the last election. Trump’s appearance in Dane County, Wisconsin’s fastest-growing county, was intended to make inroads in a region typically dominated by Democrats. Dane County has become an important battleground, with both parties recognizing its growing influence and political significance.
Democratic candidates have also been active in the area. Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally in Madison in September, which attracted more than 10,000 attendees. Harris’s focus on rallying support in Democratic strongholds is a key part of her campaign strategy, aimed at securing the votes needed to carry swing states like Wisconsin.
In a separate development, Hurricane Helene has significantly impacted campaign schedules for both presidential candidates. Harris had to cut short her visit to Las Vegas to return to Washington for emergency briefings on the hurricane’s devastation, while Trump headed to Georgia to assess the damage firsthand. The hurricane has already claimed more than 130 lives, with North Carolina suffering severe inland flooding. Such natural disasters present a unique challenge for candidates, testing their ability to manage crises while continuing to campaign.
The White House announced that Harris would visit the affected areas as soon as possible, ensuring she wouldn’t disrupt ongoing emergency operations. President Joe Biden is set to survey the damage in person on Wednesday, reinforcing the administration’s response to the disaster.
Meanwhile, Trump launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid victims of Hurricane Helene, which has already raised over $1 million. The fundraising effort, described as “an official response for MAGA supporters to offer their financial assistance,” is in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization. During his visit to Valdosta, Georgia, Trump brought supplies, including fuel, to be distributed by the relief group.
Despite his fundraising efforts, Trump criticized the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene. He accused the government of being slow to react, even as his supporters advocate for cutting federal agencies like FEMA, which provide disaster relief and early warnings for such emergencies. Trump’s own record in disaster response has faced criticism, particularly for his handling of aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, where aid was delayed, and funding was diverted from FEMA to support other immigration-related initiatives.
President Biden quickly responded to Trump’s remarks, calling out the former president for “lying” about federal contacts with Georgia officials during the hurricane response. Trump had claimed that Biden had not been in touch with the state’s Republican governor, a claim Biden labeled as false, stating, “He’s lying, and the governor told him he was lying.” Biden went on to emphasize that the federal government was doing everything possible to support those in need, expressing frustration at Trump’s tendency to spread misinformation during critical times.
With so many intersecting storylines, the vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz is set against a backdrop of high stakes and political turmoil. Both campaigns are aware that with polls tightening, every moment counts. For Vance and Walz, the debate is a chance to reinforce their party’s messages, energize the base, and sway undecided voters. As the last major debate of the 2024 election season, it could also offer one of the final opportunities to capture voters’ attention before Election Day.
