JD Vance prepares for a high-stakes debate with Governor Tim Walz, relying on confidence and informal sessions.
At a Glance
- Gov. Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance will stand for their debate next week.
- First standing vice-presidential debate since 2008.
- Debate hosted by CBS News in New York.
- Nearly 70 million people watched the 2008 debate, making it the most-watched.
- Rep. Tom Emmer will play Walz in final rehearsals for Vance.
Vance’s Unique Preparation Strategy
Senator JD Vance is taking a distinctive approach to his debate preparation ahead of his vice-presidential face-off with Governor Tim Walz. Instead of the typical comprehensive, multi day debate camp, Vance is opting for informal preparation sessions at his Cincinnati residence. He firmly believes that his deep knowledge of public policy and experience in political debates are sufficient to tackle the challenge without rigorous preparation.
Vance’s preparation includes mock debates orchestrated with the help of his family and advisors. His team has studied old videos of Walz’s previous debates to get familiar with his style and policy positions. This strategy aims to challenge Walz’s moderate image and present a strong critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’ record.
Rep. Tom Emmer and Usha Vance are among those helping Sen. JD Vance prepare for the vice presidential debate, a source involved with the process says. https://t.co/RjK8Cb81Xu
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) September 23, 2024
Standing Debate: A Historical Context
Gov. Walz and Senator Vance will be standing at the lecterns for the debate next week, marking the first standing vice-presidential debate since 2008. This change, agreed upon by CBS News and both campaigns, breaks with the recent tradition of seated vice-presidential debates. Nearly 70 million people watched the 2008 debate between Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Sarah Palin, making it the most-watched vice-presidential debate in history.
“Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Senator JD Vance of Ohio will stand behind lecterns for their debate next week, according to four people briefed on the plans, the first time since 2008 that the vice-presidential candidates have not been sitting for a debate. The two candidates and CBS News, which is hosting the debate at its New York studios, are still in negotiations on all of the rules, but the network and the two campaigns have agreed that Mr. Walz and Mr. Vance will be standing, according to the four people, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations. The rules are expected to be broadly similar to those for the presidential debate two weeks ago between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. The last time presidential running mates stood for a debate was when Joseph R. Biden Jr., then a Delaware senator, and Sarah Palin, then the Alaska governor, met in St. Louis in 2008. Nearly 70 million people tuned in to that debate, the most-watched vice-presidential clash in history. Four years ago, 58 million people watched Ms. Harris debate Vice President Mike Pence. The question of whether the candidates should stand or sit has been determined in recent presidential cycles by the Commission on Presidential Debates, which sought an aesthetic difference for the vice-presidential contests by having the candidates be seated. But this year, Mr. Biden’s campaign, which had long been frustrated with the commission, circumvented it by separately arranging debates with the Trump campaign and television networks. For most political candidates, it is not generally considered a matter of great consequence whether they sit or stand for a debate, barring physical limitations or a significant height disparity. Mr. Walz stands just under six feet tall, and Mr. Vance is about six feet tall.” – Source
According to the preparations, both camps are engaged in mock debates. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., plays Governor Walz in Vance’s rehearsals. This aligns with Vance’s belief in informal and focused preparation, contrary to Walz’s intensive multi day debate camp.
When Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz meet for a vice presidential debate next week, they will seek to fill in the basic sketches the public has seen of them so far while making the case for presidential nominees Donald Trump and Kamala Harris https://t.co/7Q5wNAnMpb
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 25, 2024
Focus on Policy and Critique
Vance aims to highlight the successes of the Trump administration while critiquing Kamala Harris’ record. His preparation includes participating in “murder boards” to tackle tough questions. This process ensures he can confidently respond to attacks and present his policy knowledge effectively.
“murder boards” — a process intended to work through potentially tough questions. “The main focus has been familiarizing [Vance] with Walz’s debate style and policy positions,” said the source involved with the preparations. “The main goal is to destroy Walz’s moderate image.” “Here’s exactly what happens when the media and people like Tim Ryan accuse me of engaging in great replacement theory,” Vance responded. “What happens is my own children — my biracial children — get attacked by scumbags online and in person, because you are so desperate for political power that you’ll accuse me, the father of three beautiful biracial babies, of engaging in racism. We are sick of it. You can believe in a border without being a racist.” – Source
This debate marks a crucial moment for the 2024 race, offering both candidates a platform to present their visions to the American people. The focus will be on how each candidate can uphold their campaign’s values and policies.
