As the vice presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance approaches, it’s important to understand how each candidate will represent not just themselves, but their respective running mates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both Walz and Vance will have the challenging task of bolstering their presidential tickets while highlighting their own visions. Here are the top ten things to watch for during this critical debate:
1. Tim Walz’s Defense of the Harris-Biden Agenda
As Kamala Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz must defend the Harris-Biden administration’s record on economic recovery, healthcare, and social issues. Expect Walz to underscore Harris’s leadership on key initiatives, like infrastructure and criminal justice reform, while addressing areas where the administration has faced criticism. His ability to link his gubernatorial successes to the administration's broader achievements will be crucial in making a strong case for continuity.
2. JD Vance’s Defense of Donald Trump’s Legacy
JD Vance will need to balance promoting his own platform with defending Donald Trump’s policies, especially as Trump remains a polarizing figure. Look for Vance to highlight the successes of the Trump presidency—such as tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong pre-pandemic economy—while positioning himself as the candidate who can carry that legacy forward. His challenge will be defending Trump’s more controversial moments without alienating moderate voters.
3. Handling the Economy and Inflation: Biden-Harris vs. Trump’s Legacy
The economy will be a central theme in the debate, with inflation and the cost of living being major concerns for voters. Walz will defend Harris and Biden’s handling of the post-pandemic economic recovery, pointing to job growth and infrastructure investments. However, JD Vance will argue that Biden’s policies, supported by Harris, have worsened inflation. Vance is likely to draw contrasts between Trump’s economic track record and the challenges of the current administration, framing himself as a return to the prosperity of the Trump years.
4. Energy Policy and Climate Change: Progressive vs. Conservative Visions
Tim Walz, in alignment with the Harris-Biden agenda, is expected to support renewable energy initiatives and a stronger commitment to addressing climate change. He may emphasize Harris’s role in pushing for climate legislation and sustainable development. Meanwhile, JD Vance will likely criticize what he views as overregulation by the Biden administration, advocating for energy independence and promoting fossil fuels—similar to Trump’s policies during his term. The debate will show how closely Vance sticks to Trump's "America First" energy stance.
5. Healthcare and COVID-19 Response: Kamala Harris's Leadership vs. Trump’s Pandemic Legacy
As a key figure in the Biden administration’s COVID-19 response, Harris has been involved in vaccine distribution and public health initiatives. Walz will likely highlight this leadership, connecting it to his own record in Minnesota. JD Vance, however, is expected to critique the federal government’s handling of the pandemic, possibly pointing to Trump’s initial actions on vaccines and reopening the economy as stronger alternatives. The debate could reignite discussions on pandemic policy, vaccines, and public trust in government health mandates.
6. Foreign Policy: Harris and Biden’s Diplomacy vs. Trump’s America First
Foreign policy could become a flashpoint, especially with the ongoing conflicts and global tensions. Walz will likely defend the Harris-Biden approach of diplomatic engagement, multilateralism, and restoring alliances. He may also discuss Harris’s recent trips abroad as evidence of the administration’s global leadership. Vance, however, will likely lean on Trump’s “America First” doctrine, promoting policies of isolationism, trade protectionism, and reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. Watch for how Vance critiques Harris’s international work, and whether Walz can highlight its successes.
7. Law and Order: Harris’s Reform Advocacy vs. Trump’s Tough-on-Crime Stance
As a former prosecutor, Kamala Harris has been both a champion of criminal justice reform and a target for criticisms of her record. Walz will have to navigate defending her support for reform while addressing Republican critiques of being “soft on crime.” Vance, on the other hand, is expected to tout Trump’s tough-on-crime stance, calling for stronger policing and border security. Voters will be watching how each candidate approaches these divisive topics, particularly as public safety remains a top concern.
8. Appeal to Diverse Voter Bases: Urban-Suburban vs. Rural America
The debate will highlight contrasting approaches to voter outreach, with Walz representing the Harris-Biden focus on urban and suburban voters, particularly communities of color, while Vance seeks to galvanize rural and working-class voters—a demographic that strongly supported Trump. Walz will need to show that Harris’s urban appeal can extend to the heartland, while Vance will try to bring the “forgotten Americans” back into the spotlight, much like Trump did in 2016.
9. Voter Rights and Election Integrity: Harris vs. Trump’s Election Narrative
Expect to hear discussion around election integrity, particularly with Trump’s ongoing claims about the 2020 election. Walz will likely defend the Biden administration’s efforts to secure voting rights and expand access, echoing Harris’s push for federal voting legislation. Vance, meanwhile, may tap into Trump’s narrative of voter fraud and the need for stricter voting laws, while positioning himself as a champion of election security. This topic will likely draw clear distinctions between the candidates, with the legacy of Trump’s election claims looming large.
10. Readiness to Lead and Support the Presidential Ticket
Ultimately, both Walz and Vance need to demonstrate their readiness to step into the role of vice president—and potentially president—if needed. Walz’s connection to Harris and his ability to enhance her leadership profile will be key, as will his readiness to assume the responsibilities of the vice presidency. For Vance, the challenge is showing that he can be a capable partner to Trump while bringing fresh ideas to the Republican ticket. How they position themselves as strong second-in-commands will be a defining factor in how voters perceive their capability to lead.
In tonight’s debate, the spotlight will not only be on Tim Walz and JD Vance but also on the broader political battle between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Both vice presidential candidates must navigate a tightrope of defending their running mates while proving their own leadership credentials. Their performance could shape the final stretch of the campaign, making this debate a must-watch event for both parties.
