Adam Boulton: JD Vance vs Tim Walz – The Impact of the Vice Presidential Debate on the US Election | US News
TV debates have played a crucial role in this year’s US presidential election.
President Joe Biden’s disappointing performance on 27 June essentially eliminated the incumbent from the White House race.
Later, on 10 September, Vice President Kamala Harris demonstrated her potential as a strong contender, baiting opponent Donald Trump into making wild statements like “they’re eating the pets!”.
Since Harris took over the nomination, the Democrats have seen a recovery in the polls, especially in swing states, making her a narrow favorite to defeat Trump, according to some analysts.
However, others still believe Trump could be re-elected. Regardless, all agree that the election is incredibly close, with voting already underway in some less populated states and set to begin next week in Illinois.
Given the tight race, the upcoming televised debate on Tuesday could be the tipping point.
“A mere 0.1% shift in either direction could make a significant difference in four or five states,” noted Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio.
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The participants in the upcoming debate will be the running mates of Harris and Trump, JD Vance and Tim Walz, as Harris and Trump themselves will not be on stage.
Historically, vice presidential debates have had little impact, but this year is different after Harris became a prominent figure. Just as Trump had to find a new running mate after Mike Pence’s criticism, VPs are being seen in a new light.
Vance and Walz, the two contenders for the upcoming debate, are known for their eloquence in this campaign.
Donald Trump and JD Vance. Pic: AP
Vance, known for his book Hillbilly Elegy, has been vocal in his attacks on Democratic women, while Walz has strategically used the term “weird” to criticize Trump and Vance in his campaign interviews.
The debate between Vance and Walz promises to be intense, considering their different backgrounds and experiences.
JD Vance wrote the bestseller Hillbilly Elegy based on his upbringing. Pic: Reuters
Read more:
Who is JD Vance?
Analysis: Why Harris picked Walz
Despite their military service backgrounds, including Vance’s deployment to Iraq as a journalist, and Walz’s service in the Minnesota National Guard, both “VP picks” share middle-American roots that have influenced their selection.
The upcoming debate, set to have Vance and Walz standing at lecterns instead of sitting down, will be crucial in influencing the outcome of the election.
Walz’s camp in Michigan and Vance’s preparations with US representative Tom Emmer suggest a tense and strategic encounter between the two candidates.
The Presidential Debates Commission is not involved in organizing this debate, with CBS presenters Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan moderating the event without a studio audience.
As the stakes are high for both candidates, the outcome of this debate could be a defining moment in the race for the presidency.
Ultimately, while debates hold significant importance, the final result of the election may not always align with the debate outcomes, as proven in past elections.
