Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota will be playing Governor Tim Walz in Senator JD Vance’s final vice presidential debate rehearsals. Vance, an Ohio Republican, has been preparing for the debate with the help of key members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
The debate strategy has involved in-person and virtual practice sessions, as well as “murder boards” to work through potential tough questions. Vance’s team has been immersing themselves in old videos of Walz’s previous debates to prepare.
The goal of the preparations is to familiarize Vance with Walz’s debate style and policy positions, with an aim to undermine Walz’s moderate image. Vance, who has experience responding to attacks, faced accusations of engaging in the “great replacement theory” in his previous campaign, and responded passionately defending his biracial children.
On the other side, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is playing Vance in Walz’s debate prep, led by aides Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique. Walz’s team includes Liz Allen, Michael Tyler, and Chris Schmitter.
The upcoming debate is seen as an opportunity for Governor Walz to present Vice President Harris’ vision to the American people who are ready to move past the Trump era. The debate is expected to be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the election.
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