What to watch for in Tuesday's Vance-Walz debate: key points and strategies

As the final vice-presidential debate approaches, Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz prepare to define their party's visions and address key issues. With lively exchanges expected, the candidates will focus on policies, personal stories, and strategies to sway undecided voters.

A view of the stage where two candidates will debate crucial topics that could sway voters in this critical election.

The debate between Vance and Walz is set to be a decisive moment, with discussions on policies, personal backgrounds, and cultural clashes shaping the final stretch of the election.

debate, vice-presidential, strategies, election 2024, key issues, policies

What to Watch For in Tuesday’s Vance-Walz Debate

As Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota gear up for their first vice-presidential debate in New York, there are several key aspects to keep an eye on. While this debate may not match the intensity of the Trump-Harris showdown last month, it remains the final scheduled debate of the 2024 election cycle and could impact the race's trajectory.

Both campaigns view this debate as a proxy battle to define and defend the visions of their respective tickets. It is also an opportunity to expose inconsistencies in their opponent’s positions. With no muted microphones, the debate hosted by CBS News has the potential for lively exchanges between these seasoned politicians.

Folksy vs. Cutting: Which Persona Will Dominate?

Both Vance and Walz are known for their debating skills and quick wit. Walz, 60, rose to national prominence due to his approachable and folksy communication style, often leveraging his "Midwestern dad" persona. The debate will provide him a platform to showcase this beyond scripted campaign moments, potentially allowing him to connect with voters on a personal level.

On the other hand, Vance, 40, often comes across as more combative, representing an aggressive form of conservatism. Despite this, he has worked hard to present a more thoughtful and well-mannered image during television appearances. His debate performances in the 2022 Senate race demonstrated his ability to balance a more moderate tone with his staunchly conservative views. He has even recruited Representative Tom Emmer for mock debates to help refine his approach for the showdown with Walz.

Attack Lines: ‘Dangerously Liberal’ vs. ‘Weird’

The debate presents a challenge for both candidates, as vice-presidential debates often require participants to focus more on their running mate's opponents than each other. Walz has been vocal about branding the Trump-Vance team as “weird,” accusing them of pushing extreme and divisive issues. His aim is to position the Republican ticket as out of touch with the average American's needs.

In contrast, Vance has framed the Harris-Walz ticket as “dangerously liberal,” highlighting policies on immigration and crime as evidence of their alleged failures. The debate may well hinge on which characterization resonates more effectively with voters.

Reintroducing Vance’s Life Story

The debate offers Vance a chance to reintroduce his compelling personal story that gained national attention through his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy." This narrative, detailing his upbringing in a struggling family with a drug-addicted mother, once captivated the American public and provided insight into the sentiments fueling Trump’s rise in 2016.

Vance's favorability ratings currently lag behind Walz's, and his debate strategy may involve softening his image with personal reflections. However, his past criticisms of Trump, including calling him “cultural heroin” in 2016, are likely to resurface, forcing him to navigate those questions in front of a large audience.

Military Service: Applause Line or Attack Line?

As the first potential vice-presidential candidates with military backgrounds since Al Gore, Vance and Walz's service records are expected to be a key topic. Vance, a former Marine, and Walz, a National Guard veteran, have already clashed over their military credentials. Vance accused Walz of “stolen valor” for allegedly misrepresenting his service. Both candidates will need to address these claims, possibly turning military service into either an applause line or an attack point.

The Clash Over Cultural Issues

While economic issues are ever-present, cultural topics like abortion and immigration have dominated the political landscape. Walz aims to harness voter anger over restrictive abortion laws, framing the issue as a matter of personal freedom and privacy.

Vance, meanwhile, has struggled with abortion rights discussions, with some of his previous comments sparking controversy even within his own party. He also aggressively tackles immigration, criticizing the Harris-Walz ticket for its handling of border security. His willingness to make bold, sometimes debunked claims has both alarmed Democrats and won him support from conservative circles.

Ultimately, Tuesday’s debate will be judged on how these clashes are perceived by undecided voters, who may determine the outcome of the 2024 race.