ATLANTA, GEORGIA – As the 2024 election approaches, the vice presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz is set to take place on Tuesday. Hosted by CBS News in New York, the debate presents an opportunity for the undercards to introduce themselves, vouch for their respective nominees, and engage in a role often fulfilled by running mates: that of an attack dog. While not as high-stakes as previous debates between top-ticket nominees, this matchup is expected to draw a significant television and online audience.
In the lead-up to the debate, both Walz and Vance have been strategizing and previewing their potential approaches. Walz, the 60-year-old Minnesota governor, has been critical of the Republican ticket, using terms like “weird” to describe his opponents. In contrast, Vance, a 40-year-old U.S. senator from Ohio, has been attacking Walz’s progressive record as evidence of the Democratic Party drifting too far left for voters.
The dynamics of the upcoming debate raise questions about whether it will focus more on Walz vs. Vance or on the broader narrative of Harris vs. Trump. Running mates play a crucial role in making the case for their bosses, with their credibility and connection with the audience being key factors in delivering that message effectively. A recent AP-NORC poll suggests that Walz is more favorably viewed than Vance, posing a challenge for the Republican candidate.
Abortion rights and views on family life are expected to be key points of contention in the debate. Democrats are leveraging issues such as reproductive health care to energize their base and appeal to swing voters. Vance and Trump have struggled to articulate a consistent message on abortion rights, reflecting the complexities of the issue within the Republican Party since the 2022 Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade.
Economic policies and proposals will also be on the agenda, with both Vance and Walz aiming to present themselves as champions of American workers. Their contrasting approaches to economic challenges, such as boosting manufacturing and addressing inflation, will likely feature prominently in the debate. As they vie for the support of undecided voters, both candidates will emphasize their middle-America roots and experiences.
The upcoming vice presidential debate is expected to offer insight into the candidates’ policy priorities, messaging strategies, and ability to connect with voters. While they seek to amplify their bosses’ platforms, Vance and Walz will also draw attention to their own personal stories and qualifications. As the candidates prepare to face off in this critical event, the spotlight will be on their policies, narratives, and ability to engage and persuade the American public.