Tim Walz/ JD Vance/ Vice Presidential debate/ 2024 election/ Harris vs Trump/ CBS News debate/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet for their first and possibly only vice presidential debate on Tuesday, hosted by CBS News. With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a tight race, this debate is crucial for both campaigns. Walz and Vance, known for their contrasting approaches, will defend their running mates and challenge the opposing ticket.
VP Debate Quick Looks
- Debate Date: Tuesday, hosted by CBS News in New York.
- Candidates: Tim Walz, Democratic Governor of Minnesota, and JD Vance, Republican Senator from Ohio.
- Significance: Polls show Harris and Trump are locked in a close race.
- Role: Both will argue their running mate’s case while attacking the opposing ticket.
- Expectations: Both sides have lowered debate expectations, despite both candidates’ previous strong debate performances.
- Polls: Walz is viewed more favorably than Vance, posing a challenge for the Republican.
Walz vs. Vance: Key Vice Presidential Debate Face-Off
Deep Look
Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, and JD Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, will face each other in their first, and possibly only, vice presidential debate on Tuesday. Set in New York, this debate, hosted by CBS News, offers both candidates a key opportunity to sway undecided voters ahead of the upcoming election.
The race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has been exceptionally close, making Tuesday’s debate even more critical. With both Harris and Trump’s teams unable to agree on another debate, this could be the final face-off before the election, and both Walz and Vance are eager to make a lasting impression.
Historically, vice presidential debates provide running mates the chance to play an aggressive role, attacking the opposing ticket and championing their respective campaigns. Vance, known for his sometimes confrontational demeanor, has embraced his role as a vocal supporter of Trump, even though he once harshly criticized the former president. Walz, on the other hand, has made his mark on the campaign by painting Republicans, especially Trump, as being “out of touch” with the average American.
Recent polling data from the AP-NORC Center highlights that Walz has a more favorable image than Vance, giving him an advantage in the court of public opinion. However, with this being the final debate, Vance has ample opportunity to shift voter perspectives.
A key issue for Tuesday’s debate will be its format. After complaints from Republicans about the moderators fact-checking Trump in his previous debate with Harris, CBS News has decided to forgo on-the-spot corrections, leaving it to the candidates to call out inaccuracies during the discussion. This change adds to the pressure on both Walz and Vance to remain sharp and ready to counter any misstatements from their opponent.
Both sides are actively managing expectations ahead of the event. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar remarked that Vance is a seasoned debater, contrasting him with Walz, whom she described as more focused on football during his upbringing than debating. Meanwhile, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, positioned Walz as a well-prepared debater, noting his nearly 20 years in politics. Miller also acknowledged that while Vance is prepared, he should not be underestimated.
Despite Vance’s claims that he doesn’t need extensive preparation due to his solid grasp of public policy, he has been participating in debate rehearsals. His preparation sessions have included help from key figures such as his wife, Usha Vance, and Republican aides like Rep. Tom Emmer, who has been playing Walz in practice rounds. Monica Crowley, a former Trump administration official, has also helped moderate mock debates.
Walz has been undergoing similar preparations in a Minneapolis hotel, with the help of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg standing in for Vance. Additional support for Walz’s debate prep has come from staff who previously assisted Kamala Harris in her 2020 vice-presidential debate. Democratic allies, including Klobuchar, believe Walz’s optimistic and buoyant personality will help him stand out on the debate stage, even if he isn’t known for an aggressive debating style.
Ultimately, Tuesday’s debate is expected to provide a critical opportunity for both campaigns to solidify support, particularly among undecided voters. With Walz’s likability and Vance’s sharp policy knowledge, the debate promises to deliver memorable moments that could sway the election’s outcome.
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