Tim Walz Nervous About Facing JD Vance At VP Debate: Report

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is feeling nervous as he prepares to face Ohio Senator J.D. Vance in next week’s vice presidential debate. Tuesday night's high-stakes match will be crucial to the 2024 election, and Walz will under increasing pressure to deliver. According to CNN sources, Walz, a parent and former football coach, has spoken in intimate friends about his disappointment with Kamala Harris, his running partner. With the election on November 5th rapidly approaching, Walz has stepped up his preparations and enlisted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to assist with debate simulation. In simulated discussions, Buttigieg—who is well-known for his regular appearances on Fox News—plays Vance. Buttigieg is assisting Walz in honing his craft, but he has made it clear that he won't be playing Vance to the fullest extent—jokingly rejecting to grow a beard for the part.Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan will serve as moderators for the discussion, which is being presented by CBS News and will take place in New York City. The 90-minute debate is scheduled without a live audience, and CBS has the option to turn off the candidates' microphones if necessary. Opening comments are not scheduled, but closing speeches are permitted. Walz has acknowledged that he is not very good at arguing. He disclosed his shortcomings in debating situations to Harris during his vice-presidential interview. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, one of Walz's admirers, has stated that charisma and leadership, not academic debate, are what make him so strong.In the meanwhile, Vance, a Yale graduate and Ivy Leaguer, has refined his debating abilities through time. Under the direction of Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, his staff has been attempting to dismantle Walz's "Minnesota Nice" facade. In Vance's debate preparations, Emmer—who is portraying Walz—said that their objective is to expose Walz's contradictions and undermine his reputation. Walz's supporters are worried that Vance's caustic remarks would take away from the governor's endearing, grounded demeanor. They worry that it would make Walz appear too liberal or out of touch. Walz intends to respond to these criticisms, though, by concentrating more on Donald Trump and less on Vance. He is anticipated to be critical of Vance due to his affiliation with Trump and endorsement of divisive initiatives such as "Project 2025."Walz's plan may potentially take inspiration from Harris's method, which she used to cast doubt on Vance's allegiance to Trump while preparing for her own debate. Walz may employ such strategies to draw attention to the senator's political concessions. Following the debate, Harris and Walz will travel around Central Pennsylvania by bus, which will be their first combined campaign stop there. The tour will make many stops to interact with people as they continue to gather support for the upcoming election.