Vance and Walz to Face Off in Exclusive VP Debate, Reports Reuters

By James Oliphant, Stephanie Kelly, and Gram Slattery

Next week, two vice presidential candidates will face off in a debate that promises to capture significant attention. On one side is a best-selling author, known for coining the term “childless cat ladies” to criticize Democrats and for propagating a controversial narrative about immigrants eating pets. On the other side is a folksy former high school football coach who has encountered scrutiny regarding his military service and has labeled his Republican rivals as “weird,” a characterization that quickly gained traction.

Both candidates, white men from the U.S. Midwest, assert they understand the needs and desires of Americans in the heartland while holding sharply contrasting views on policy issues.

As Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz prepare to clash in their only scheduled vice presidential debate before the November 5 election, they aim to expand upon the basic impressions the public has of them so far and advocate for their respective presidential nominees, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Historically, vice presidential debates are often treated as side events, receiving little attention from voters. However, the contentious exchanges between Walz and Vance have drawn considerable interest, making this upcoming debate particularly relevant as it coincides with early voting.

The vice presidential candidates’ primary role is to act as effective surrogates for their campaigns. Aaron Kall, a debate expert, emphasizes that they will be charged with making compelling closing arguments as their campaigns approach crucial voting periods.

In previous debates, Harris was perceived as having the upper hand against Trump, which puts added pressure on Vance, the 40-year-old senator from Ohio, to deliver a strong performance. Vance, who was selected by Trump to galvanize the right-wing base, will need to address his controversial statements, including referencing a fictional account involving Haitian immigrants and his stringent abortion views, including past support for a national ban.

Conversely, Walz, the 60-year-old governor of Minnesota, is likely to face inquiries about his handling of the 2020 riots in Minneapolis that sparked widespread protests following George Floyd’s death at the hands of police.

Vance plans to position Walz as a leftist in disguise, referring to his initiatives as governor that promoted free school meals and expanded paid leave. He may also challenge Walz’s military record, questioning his commitment during their service time.

Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, has pushed back against claims he abandoned his comrades to pursue political ambitions. While he has acknowledged a misstatement in a past video regarding his military service, he has consistently defended his record.

Political strategy experts suggest that Vance should focus on how a potential second Trump presidency could provide solutions to important issues facing voters rather than solely attacking Walz, as voters ultimately decide based on the presidential candidates rather than their running mates.

In terms of preparation, Vance has opted for a more traditional approach compared to Trump’s strategies, enlisting U.S. Representative Tom Emmer to simulate Walz during mock debates. He has also engaged in targeted question-and-answer sessions with his wife and a senior Trump adviser.

Walz is utilizing U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to help refine his debate performance, benefiting from Buttigieg’s unique communication style. Other advisers include former White House officials who have experience preparing candidates for similar events.

Despite a polling disadvantage—34% of Americans viewing Vance favorably compared to 39% for Walz—Vance enjoys a wealth of policy knowledge. However, he may need to focus on broader connections to resonate with the public.

Many analysts draw comparisons to past debates, recalling the 2012 vice presidential debate when Paul Ryan’s factual precision contrasted with Joe Biden’s engaging demeanor. A similar dynamic could shape the outcome when Vance and Walz meet on stage.