Vice-Presidential Debate Set to Highlight Character and Credibility

The vice-presidential debate on Tuesday evening will provide Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz a unique platform to serve as a reference. Senator JD Vance (R., Ohio) will also have the opportunity to act as a character reference for his nominee. This debate allows both to showcase their potential as credible successors to the White House. Their performances could significantly influence public perception of their respective presidential candidates.

Debate Details

Scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, the 90-minute debate will be hosted by CBS News at its broadcasting hub in New York City. Other networks and WSJ.com will simulcast the event. Moderators Norah O’Donnell of “CBS Evening News” and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will guide the discussion.

The vice-presidential debate offers Tim Walz and JD Vance a platform to showcase their potential, according to wsj news.

Anticipated Viewership

Anticipated viewership is expected to fall short of the 67 million who tuned in to watch Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debate on September 10. Four years ago, 58 million viewers observed Harris debate then-Vice President Mike Pence, marking the second-largest audience for a vice-presidential debate, as recorded by Nielsen. The record remains with nearly 70 million viewers for the 2008 debate between Sarah Palin and President Biden.

Ground Rules for the Debate

CBS has announced it retains the right to mute the microphones, although they will generally remain active. There will be no opening statements; each candidate will have two minutes for closing remarks. Vance won a coin toss and chose to speak second, granting him the final opportunity to address the audience. Each candidate will have a pen, a pad of paper, and a water bottle, but prewritten notes are prohibited.

Key Discussion Points

Potential discussion topics may include Walz’s management of the Minneapolis riots following the police killing of George Floyd, his oversight of the COVID-19 pandemic, his departure from the National Guard, and the progressive shift in Minnesota policies during his governorship.

Vance may face questions about his controversial remarks in 2021 about “childless cat ladies” governing the country, and his past misrepresentation of Haitians in Ohio consuming household pets. He may also need to clarify why he labeled Trump an idiot in 2016 and likened him to Adolf Hitler.

Experience and Expectations

How will the political experiences of Vance and Walz manifest during the vice-presidential debate? Walz boasts greater debate experience, stemming from over a decade in Congress and two gubernatorial campaigns, while Vance has garnered national media exposure since his prominent 2022 Senate campaign.

Republicans are leveraging Walz’s debate experience to temper expectations for Vance. However, Vance’s strong performances in the 2022 GOP primary caught Trump’s attention and ultimately led to his endorsement. The vice-presidential contenders differ in life experience and temperament, with Walz, at 60, being 20 years older than Vance.

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Targeting Voter Demographics

Both candidates were selected for their potential to sway white, working-class voters in the northern battleground states. Walz will likely invoke his football background, having previously coached high school. He will also highlight his connection to gun ownership. Additionally, Walz may emphasize his proficiency in shooting pheasants during the debate.

Importance of the Debate

Vice-presidential debates typically have minimal impact on polling outcomes. However, this event could be crucial before Election Day. It will be the last debate in a compressed general-election campaign. This debate may serve as a pivotal moment for voters. It allows a polarized nation to engage with opposing viewpoints more effectively.

Policy Positions

In summary, Vance has a knack for articulating the principles of Trumpism, often with greater discipline than Trump himself. Like Trump, Vance advocates for stricter immigration policies, increased tariffs, government intervention in the economy, and a withdrawal from global affairs, placing less emphasis on the GOP’s historical commitment to free trade and fiscal responsibility.

By contrast, Walz demonstrated his progressive leanings in 2023 when his party gained full control of Minnesota’s legislative chambers. He championed initiatives such as universal free school meals for students, voting rights for former prisoners, and licenses for undocumented migrants. In addition, he supported the legalization of recreational marijuana and a law that enshrines abortion as a “fundamental right.”

Common Ground and Moderation

The two candidates may find common ground on several issues. This includes their opposition to Nippon Steel’s $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. CBS has indicated that moderators will not engage in extensive real-time fact-checking. This decision aims to avoid becoming the focal point of the narrative. During the June presidential debate, CNN moderators achieved this goal effectively, but Trump criticized ABC moderators later.

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