On Tuesday night in New York City, Republican nominee JD Vance and Democratic nominee Tim Walz will face off in a vice presidential debate that could significantly impact the upcoming election. With only 35 days until Election Day, this debate may be the final opportunity for both campaigns to present their visions to a national audience, especially given Donald Trump’s refusal to participate in further debates against Kamala Harris.
Typically, vice presidential debates do not alter the course of an election, but political experts suggest that this debate carries additional weight. Matthew Levendusky, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that the late entry of Harris into the race and the limited number of presidential debates may draw more attention to the Vance-Walz matchup.
The candidates hail from different Midwestern states and have crafted their political identities around their roots. JD Vance, a 40-year-old freshman senator from Ohio, gained recognition through his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” which portrays his rise from a challenging upbringing. In contrast, 60-year-old Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, presents himself as a relatable, blue-collar figure—a former teacher and football coach known for his down-to-earth demeanor.
As they head into the debate, Walz enjoys a popularity edge over Vance. A recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll indicates that 48% of likely voters view Walz favorably, compared to only 37% for Vance. Vance has faced backlash for controversial statements made in past interviews, including disparaging comments about women without children and criticism of Trump’s economic policies.
The debate will be crucial for both candidates. For Vance, it is an opportunity to align himself more closely with Trump and solidify his position as a potential successor to the MAGA agenda if they win. Walz, on the other hand, must appeal to undecided voters who may not fully support Harris but are also wary of Trump.
Both campaigns have set low expectations for the debate, likely in response to the modest impact Harris had following her debate with Trump, despite her perceived success. Vance is expected to attack Walz’s liberal policies, while Walz will portray Vance as a representative of the Trump agenda.
Debate preparations have involved mock sessions with notable figures. Emmer, a Trump surrogate, has stepped in to play Walz for Vance, while former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has assumed the role of Vance for Walz’s preparation.
Key issues are anticipated to arise during the debate, including military service and controversial statements. Vance has previously accused Walz of “stolen valor” for leaving the National Guard before deployment, while Walz has criticized Vance for promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about Haitian migrants.
As both candidates aim to distinguish themselves and solidify their respective bases, they must navigate the pressure of delivering strong performances while avoiding significant missteps. The debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the election, reflecting broader themes of Midwestern identity and political priorities.
