Vice Presidential Showdown: Tim Walz and JD Vance Face Off in High-Stakes Debate
A Pivotal Moment in the Election Cycle
Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet Tuesday in what could be their only vice presidential debate before the election. With polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in a tight race, this debate may hold significant weight, potentially swaying undecided voters and defining the remaining weeks of the election cycle. The potential impact on undecided voters underscores the urgency and importance of this debate.
The Stakes Are High
Tuesday’s debate could be pivotal for both campaigns, especially as it may be the last debate of the season. Harris and Trump’s teams have struggled to agree on another presidential debate, placing additional pressure on Walz and Vance to make a lasting impression. Vance, known for his aggressive media appearances, was handpicked by Trump despite his past harsh criticism of the former president, including calling him “America’s Hitler.” Meanwhile, Walz has garnered attention on the Democratic side for branding Trump and Republicans as “just weird,” portraying them as disconnected from the American people.
An AP-NORC poll suggests that Walz holds a slight advantage in likability over Vance, further complicating the Republican candidate’s challenge.
No Fact-Checking from Moderators
Following the contentious Harris-Trump debate, where Republicans criticized the moderators for fact-checking Trump, CBS News has confirmed that no such corrections will occur in this debate. Instead, the responsibility for calling out misstatements will rest on the candidates, providing a more freewheeling environment that could lead to explosive moments. This lack of fact-checking underscores the need for the audience to engage critically with the candidates’ statements.
Managing Expectations
Both sides are bracing for the debate and are already working to lower expectations. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, described Vance as “an accomplished debater,” contrasting him with Walz, whom she portrayed as a more down-to-earth figure focused on issues beyond politics. In response, Trump adviser Jason Miller praised Walz’s debating skills, suggesting that the Minnesota governor would be more polished than usual and reminding supporters that Vance is no stranger to public policy discussions.
Despite Vance’s claim that he didn’t “have to prepare that much” for the debate, he has been participating in debate prep sessions with his team, which includes his wife, Usha Vance, and Congressman Tom Emmer. Monica Crowley, a Trump administration alum, has also participated in these sessions, bringing her experience from Project 2025, the conservative government overhaul plan Trump claims he has no involvement with.
Candidates Ready to Attack
As is typical in vice presidential debates, Walz and Vance are expected to serve as attack dogs for their running mates. Vance, in particular, has embraced this role, with Emmer confidently predicting that Vance will “wipe the floor with Tim Walz.” On the other hand, Walz is prepared to show his optimistic yet forceful side, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg playing the role of Vance in debate rehearsals. The candidates’ readiness to attack underscores the intensity and competitiveness of the debate.
Klobuchar emphasized that Walz will bring a “buoyancy” to the debate stage, contrasting with Vance’s more aggressive style. However, she assured that Walz would not hold back in pointing out his opponent’s flaws, promising a lively and impactful discussion.
As the candidates prepare to take the stage, both sides are aware that the outcome could leave a lasting impression on the race—and potentially sway the balance in this fiercely contested election.