WASHINGTON, USA: The final vice presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election takes place on Tuesday, featuring Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz.
The debate is especially significant as it may be the last major confrontation between the two presidential tickets before the election. With Donald Trump refusing another debate against Kamala Harris, this event could sway undecided voters, particularly in key Midwestern swing states.
Vance, a 40-year-old Ohio senator and Trump’s running mate, and Walz, the 60-year-old Minnesota governor chosen by Harris, both represent heartland voters and bring strong military and blue-collar credentials. While both candidates share some background similarities, they have stark political differences. Vance has aligned himself closely with Trump’s controversial rhetoric, including inflammatory claims about migrants, while Walz takes a more progressive stance, branding Vance and Trump as “weird.”
The debate is seen as especially critical because of the polarized nature of the election. While vice presidential debates typically do not change election outcomes, this one holds added importance due to Harris’s late replacement of Biden as the Democratic nominee and Vance’s controversial rise to the national stage.
Both candidates have been preparing for the encounter, with Vance aiming to overcome unfavorable polling and Walz seeking to introduce himself to a wider audience. The debate, moderated by CBS hosts, promises to be a fiery exchange that could offer key insights into the campaigns’ final push for victory.
