With the 2024 U.S. Vice Presidential Debate just around the corner, anticipation is building among political observers as Republican nominee J.D. Vance prepares to face off against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic candidate. The debate, scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, at 9 p.m. ET, will be hosted by CBS News at their Broadcast Center in New York City.
Rep. Tom Emmer, the Majority Whip and the third-ranking Republican in the House, is stepping up to play the role of Tim Walz during Vance’s preparations. Emmer has spent the last month analyzing Walz’s previous performances, noting, "I’ve known Tim probably since he was first elected almost 20 years ago," and has been working to mimic his mannerisms and phrases to give Vance the best possible insight for the upcoming debate.
"My job was to be able to play Tim Walz so JD Vance knows what he's going to see," Emmer emphasized about his role as the stand-in. He expressed confidence in Vance's ability to effectively tackle the issues at hand, ranging from the economy to border security, saying, "He can talk about the economy and the border effectiveness under Trump and how those have changed under the current administration. Once he understands how Walz plans to deflect discussions with his folksy style, he’ll be ready to hold him accountable."
Walz, meanwhile, is prepping for what is one of the biggest moments of his political career. Campaign insiders indicate he is feeling the pressure as he faces criticism for being less experienced as a debater compared to Vance, who is perceived as aggressive and cunning. This sentiment was echoed by fellow Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who described Walz as "a strong person" but not the "lawyer-debater type."
Sources revealed to CNN Walz’s own concerns on how he might disappoint Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed trust and confidence in him taking the stage. Balancing wit and earnestness will be key as he delivers his arguments against Vance, who has also been dealing with challenges—especially concerning his public favorability, which lags behind Walz’s, according to recent polling.
Despite his low favorability ratings, which indicate struggles with many voters—Vance sits at 27% compared to Walz’s 42%—Emmer is adamant about Vance’s likability and potential to resonate with the public. He remarked, "I think JD is very likable, and I think he's well-liked. I don't buy these snapshot polls." Emmer believes voters will warm to Vance once they understand the radical nature of Walz’s policies.
On the format for the debate, CBS News has stated there will be no studio audience and no opening statements permitted, but candidates will each be allowed two minutes per question, with additional time for rebuttals. Interest buzzes around potential muting of microphones during contentious exchanges as Vance and Walz seek to take control of the conversation. Emmer has refrained from sharing specific strategies but finds confidence Vance has done ample work to prepare.
Adding to the dynamics of the debate preparation is Vance’s history of facing off against media and critics, making him more seasoned for verbal skirmishes. His mocking elaborate political narratives have kept him center stage as he sharpens his tongue for the debate. Both candidates will face complex questions on current issues, with nothing off-limits as the moderators, CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan, keep things flowing smoothly and effectively.
The debate not only holds electoral stakes but will also significantly impact the candidates' narratives leading up to the November election. With Trump's recent derogatory remarks about Harris and the subsequent debate strategies forming, it's evident Vance and Walz will have to navigate their performances critically and thoughtfully to avoid memes, gaffes, or out-of-context clips circulating online.
For those curious about catching the debate action, CBS News will livestream the event both on their website and YouTube channel, aiming to broaden audience reach without traditional cable restrictions. Other platforms, including Paramount Plus, PBS News, and Politico will also be broadcasting the event live, with some social media platforms adding to the coverage.
Looking forward to what each candidate brings to the debate stage against one another, the stakes are high as voters observe their interactions and debate performance. While Walz may not come off as the traditional seasoned debater, the Democrats are hoping his relatable persona will charm viewers enough to raise his national profile. Meanwhile, Vance continues to fight perceptions of his character and experience, as the debate promises to be pivotal for both candidates' visibility and campaign trajectories this election season.
