Waiting for the 'boxing match' with Tim Walz

Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance are scheduled to debate on CBS News at 8:00 AM on October 2nd (Vietnam time). Observers believe this could also be the final debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates in this year's election, as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have yet to agree on a plan for a rematch.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (left) and Ohio Senator JD Vance

AFP quoted Associate Professor Thomas Whalen, a political science specialist at Boston University (USA), as saying that this confrontation will create a dramatic television program, even though vice presidential debates usually have little impact on election results.

Mr. Walz takes a break before his fight.

CNN reported on September 29th that Tim Walz's campaign team in Michigan enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere as they prepared for the debate. Stopping in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Walz's schedule included hiking, pizza, farm visits, shopping, and interacting with the public. His team planned to highlight the image of the governor as "true to himself" through these activities. Walz's staff also spent the weekend watching and cheering on football games on television.

This could be Walz's way of "relaxing" before the official confrontation. Previously, in numerous meetings that lasted late into the night and throughout the week, Walz and his team had to balance ensuring the morale of the Minnesota Governor, studying JD Vance's speeches, and organizing mock debates, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg impersonating Vance. Walz said on September 29th that the preparation for the debate "went well and was enjoyable." He had previously expressed concerns that he wasn't a good debater and might disappoint Harris, according to his campaign officials.

According to CNN, the Democratic candidate's strategy is to focus on attacking Donald Trump, but also to criticize his direct opponent, JD Vance. Furthermore, this could be an opportunity for Tim Walz to persuade voters to support Harris, given that a segment of the public is still unclear about the commitments of the Vice President if elected.

US Election: Battleground states remain unclear on whether they will support Harris or Trump.

Vance's focus

CBS News, citing sources familiar with Vance's debate preparations, reported that the Republican vice presidential candidate had over a month to prepare for the showdown. One of Vance's main focuses was studying Walz's debating style and policy record. Additionally, Vance would attempt to criticize the Minnesota governor's left-leaning views. Last week, Ohio Senator Vance stated his plan was to analyze what the Trump-Vance administration would do to "make life better" and connect that to policy commitments.

Tom Emmer, a Republican congressman from Minnesota who played the role of Tim Walz while preparing for the debate with JD Vance, said he had known Walz for years and was familiar with the Democratic candidate's mannerisms and style. "My job was to play Tim Walz so JD Vance would know what he was going to see. People wouldn't like Walz once they knew him, and JD would expose that," Emmer said, according to The Hill .

On September 28th, Mr. Vance stopped in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state that both sides want to win. The Republican candidate launched attacks on Ms. Harris and urged voters to encourage their family members to vote.

Rules for the Vice Presidential Debate

According to CBS News, a notable difference in this week's debate compared to the confrontation between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is that the microphones of both candidates will be on throughout the debate, potentially allowing one to interrupt the other while they are speaking. However, the moderators can mute a candidate's microphone if necessary.

The remaining rules are similar to the presidential debate, including no audience and the event lasting 90 minutes. Tim Walz will stand on the right side of the screen, while JD Vance has chosen to speak last. Neither candidate knows the debate topic or questions in advance, nor are they allowed to bring notes. Each will be provided with pen and paper and a bottle of water.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cho-man-so-gang-tim-walz-jd-vance-185240930204612882.htm