Clash of the VPs: Predictions for the Vance and Walz Debate

Photos via Reuters

ANAGHA CHAKRAVARTI: The upcoming vice presidential debate between Republican candidate, Senator JD Vance and Democratic candidate, Governor Tim Walz will take place in New York City on October 1 hosted by CBS News. It is expected that the debate rules will mirror that of the previous two presidential debates. This is the only public face-off between the two candidates and will likely be the final debate between either the presidential or vice presidential candidates before the election.

Both vice presidential hopefuls will have to discuss and defend their record, including any past statements that have been circulating the internet. In Tim Walz’s case, this could be the controversy over his comments on his military record as part of the National Guard - which while he did respond to during his CNN interview with Harris in late August - he may need to clarify it further. 

Walz will also likely be pressed on his stance and his policies in Minnesota revolving around women’s rights and rights of those who identify as LGBTQ+. For JD Vance, this could mean further addressing his comments on calling certain officials in the Democratic party, “childless cat ladies,” which he has also been asked about several times during interviews since.

Both individuals will likely be asked questions regarding their presidential candidates. For Walz, this could mean discussing Harris’ record and approach to the border and immigration or prices and the economy - issues that are among the top concerns of voters. For Vance, this could mean discussing Trump’s record and recent changes to his stance on abortion and women’s reproductive rights. This could be particularly interesting as Donald Trump was pressed on this matter during the Presidential Debate hosted by NBC. When asked to clarify why JD Vance said that he would veto a national abortion ban when Trump said he wouldn’t, the former president responded, “I didn’t discuss it with JD.”

Lastly, there may be some foreign policy-related questions wherein both candidates will have to clearly articulate their presidential candidates’ stance on the war in Ukraine and Gaza and the new Cold War with China. Vance has generally abided by former President Trump’s stance on the war in Ukraine. He has previously opposed certain aid packages to Ukraine and views problems associated with China to be a major threat. Regarding NATO, he has previously mentioned during an interview that it should be a real “military alliance,” where European countries “pay their fair share,” to reduce the burdens on Americans and America’s role in the world. One can generally describe Vance as having a more isolationist and America first view on foreign policy, but we have yet to learn more as he has often shifted his rhetoric.

Walz has advocated for US aid to Israel, supported the opportunity of a ceasefire, and believes the US should provide more aid in Palestine. He is expected to align with Harris on issues in Ukraine and the importance of NATO. He also has a distinct stance on China, stemming from his background involving various visits there with student groups. He has worked as a legislator on human rights issues in China but otherwise has less overall “direct experience with foreign affairs.”

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance has kept up a consistent presence and effort in his campaigns, rallies, as well as media interviews. In fact, he has interviewed and fielded questions from media outlets from all political spectrums including CNN, Fox News, News Nation, and other formats such as through podcasts, summits, and rallies. One of the more recent contentious debates was when JD Vance appeared on CNN and was pressed on the issue of Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. 

Sources online reveal that Vance has been preparing for the debate and figuring out his strategies through online sessions and mock debates. Republican Representative Tom Emmer is involved in Vance’s mock prep sessions. Emmer is a lawmaker and has represented Minnesota. He has formerly worked with Walz in Congress and therefore can help offer useful perspectives to Vance. JD Vance will likely continue to remind Americans about the positives of the four years under the Trump administration - painting a contrast of prices and conflict in the world during and after Trump’s administration. Vance may also try to highlight areas and policies to paint Walz as overly progressive or radically liberal - a strategy to strengthen his base. 

Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, has been appearing at several rallies and fundraisers alongside Harris in various states, including smaller towns in the Midwest. Walz appeared alongside Kamala Harris during her first on-camera media interview since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate. Walz has often campaigned on fighting for the middle class, defending Kamala Harris’ record, and also recently addressed the tragic school shootings in Georgia. Walz has done a few local TV interviews and even fewer national TV interviews or press conferences compared to JD Vance. While Walz and Harris have been prioritizing speaking to voters on the ground - especially given the tight election timeline and turnaround, Vance and Trump have been speaking at rallies and participating in several media interviews as well.

Governor Walz has tapped Pete Buttigieg to support his debate prep. Secretary Buttigieg has been an active campaigner for the Harris-Walz ticket and has a strong and consistent media presence. He is a former presidential candidate and the current Transportation Secretary who can offer insightful, diplomatic, and strategic advice to Walz. Buttigieg is expected to conduct mock interviews with Vance and help him anticipate counterarguments. The former governor will seek to point out the dangers of another Trump presidency by highlighting Project 2025 and Trump’s insistence that the 2020 election was stolen.

As students of Georgetown University living and working in Washington, DC, this debate is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, this election cycle is important, especially given the lead-up to this moment - President Joe Biden’s decision to step down and the two assassination attempts against former President Trump. Secondly, the importance of the vice president is seen differently by different people but remains crucial nevertheless. Former President Trump said during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago that vice presidents have 'virtually no impact.' However, seeing that Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in to become the Democratic Presidential nominee and has had to defend and speak on behalf of the Biden administration, it is clear that the second in command has a pivotal duty. Furthermore, the race for president is currently “exceedingly close.” Lastly, it is useful to watch the debate or read different analyses and the fact checks following the debate to avoid falling into an echo chamber propagated by the media.

For a zoomed out perspective, a recent Forbes Poll revealed that “more Americans view Walz favorably (39% vs. 34%) than they do Vance.” Both candidates are seeking to speak directly to the American people but also trying to win over undecided voters and those in swing states. According to the Pew Research Center however, “many people aren't familiar with either VP nominee.” This debate is critical for the candidates to resonate with voters and to outline their vision of their presidential ticket for the American people.

Anagha Chakravarti is a staff writer for On the Record Georgetown. She is from Delhi, India and grew up in Manila, Philippines. She is senior at the School of Foreign Service, majoring in International Politics, minoring in International Development, and completing a certificate in European Studies