The only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election is set to take place between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance. Hosted by CBS News, the debate will focus on the two candidates from Minnesota and Ohio, respectively, without a live audience. The timing coincides with significant news stories such as Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran-backed militants.
Traditionally, vice presidential nominees serve as the attack dogs for their respective tickets, in this case, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. Walz and Vance have been engaged in a war of words for months, with Walz earning the Democratic VP nod due to his critique of the GOP ticket as “weird.” The debate will be moderated by CBS’ Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan and will be simulcast on CNN.
The vice presidential debate will provide a platform for viewers to learn more about the biographies of both Walz and Vance. Walz, a two-term governor and former congressman, is expected to highlight his background as a high school teacher and assistant football coach. On the other hand, Vance, a Marine veteran and author, will emphasize his shift in support towards Trump in recent years and steer clear of his past criticisms. Both candidates aim to showcase their authenticity and connect with voters in crucial swing states.
Abortion rights are a key issue that divides the two tickets, with Democrats like Walz framing the issue within the context of Harris’ support for freedom in contrast to Trump’s conservative appointments to the Supreme Court. Vance has supported policies incentivizing childbirth and portrayed Walz as extreme on the abortion issue. The candidates aim to position themselves favorably on women’s reproductive rights while attacking each other’s stance on the same.
Walz rose to prominence as Harris’ running mate due to his candid commentary on cable news, attracting Democrats and securing the vice presidential spot. However, he has since maintained a relatively low profile, prompting speculation about his performance in the upcoming debate. Vance is expected to challenge Walz on his military record, accusing him of avoiding combat deployment, a claim that Walz has addressed and denied.
Vance and Trump have perpetuated false claims surrounding Haitian immigrants in Ohio, using the debunked rumors to fuel anti-immigration sentiments. Despite pushback from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and fact-checking by moderators, Vance and Trump continue to assert baseless allegations. Walz may use this opportunity to highlight the Republicans’ inflammatory rhetoric and false claims in his attack on his opponents during the debate.
