As Sen. JD Vance prepares to face Gov. Tim Walz in next week’s vice-presidential debate, the Ohio senator is turning to Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to help him in debate rehearsals by playing Walz, sources familiar with the plans told ABC News.
One of the sources said Emmer was invited to stand in for Walz so that Vance could prepare to take on the governor’s folksy personality.
Vance’s debate preparations have included sessions at his Cincinnati home and online sessions with his team and with Jason Miller, a senior advisor on former President Donald Trump’s campaign, a source told ABC News.
Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance speaks at a campaign event in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 18, 2024.
Karl B Deblaker/AP
Vance is expected to paint Walz as too liberal, focusing on the policies he has passed while governor of Minnesota, one of the sources said.
Emmer is the third-ranking Republican in the House and serves as the majority whip. Emmer also previously served as the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer speaks during a press conference at the Republican National Committee in Washington, Sept. 18, 2024.
Will Oliver/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Emmer backed Trump for president earlier this year — despite the fact that the former president called Emmer a “Globalist RINO” who is “totally out-of-touch” with Republican voters, effectively tanking Emmer’s speakership bid in October 2023.
Walz and Emmer overlapped in the House from 2015 through 2019 before Walz ran for governor of Minnesota.
Walz’s debate preparations are also underway with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acting as a Vance stand-in during the Walz team’s debate rehearsals. Walz has also held policy sessions with his own longtime aides, Biden White House alumni and members of the Harris-Walz campaign team.
The vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News is set to be in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the network has announced, with both Walz and Vance agreeing to participate. The debate will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.
As the Vice Presidential debate approaches, Vice Presidential candidate Vance is gearing up for a crucial moment in his campaign. With Governor Walz unable to participate in the debate, Representative Emmer has stepped in to stand as Walz and help Vance prepare for the event.
The Vice Presidential debate is a pivotal moment in any campaign, as it gives candidates the opportunity to showcase their policies, ideas, and leadership abilities to a national audience. Vance understands the importance of this debate and is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
Having Representative Emmer stand in as Governor Walz is a strategic move by Vance’s team. Emmer is a seasoned politician with a deep understanding of policy and political strategy, making him an ideal candidate to mimic Walz’s debating style and positions on key issues.
In the days leading up to the debate, Vance and Emmer have been engaging in rigorous debate prep sessions. They have been studying Walz’s past debates, speeches, and policy positions in order to anticipate potential questions and attacks that may come their way during the debate.
Vance is also working closely with his team of advisors to fine-tune his messaging and ensure that he is prepared to articulate his vision for the country in a clear and compelling manner. He knows that this debate is a critical opportunity to connect with voters and make a strong case for why he and his running mate are the best choice for the White House.
As the debate draws near, Vance is feeling confident and ready to take the stage. With Representative Emmer by his side, he is well-prepared to face whatever challenges come his way and make a strong impression on voters across the country.
In conclusion, Vance’s preparation for the Vice Presidential debate with Emmer standing in as Walz demonstrates his commitment to running a strong and effective campaign. By taking the time to thoroughly prepare for this important moment, Vance is positioning himself for success and showing voters that he is ready to lead from day one.
