Some Democrats panic about "dangerous" Walz-Vance debate
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a rally in Erie, Pa., on Sept. 5. Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
Some Democratic lawmakers are quietly concerned that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz may underperform in his vice presidential debate against Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) on Tuesday night.
Why it matters: Vice President Kamala Harris set high expectations after what was widely perceived as a blowout debate performance against former President Trump last month.
- After President Biden's halting debate against Trump in July, Democrats largely tossed out the expectations playbook ahead of the Harris-Trump debate and said they expected her to win handily.
- With Walz, Democrats are acknowledging a real risk of their vice presidential nominee stumbling.
What we're hearing: "I'm a little worried," one House Democrat told Axios, arguing that Vance "has everything riding on this and will be sharp."
- The lawmaker expressed doubt that Walz "has been close [enough] to national security issues, etc., to be totally conversant on them."
- A senior House Democrat said there are "high expectations" for Walz and that "if he is real, [he] should be OK," but added, "Vance is going to be Vance. And that is dangerous."
Between the lines: Walz, a former teacher who has lived most of his life in small Midwestern towns, has been hailed by Democrats for his authenticity on the campaign trail — but debating is another story.
- Walz has a tendency to get heated when attacked and to ramble and trip himself up in unscripted settings, Axios' Sophia Cai and Torey Van Oot reported.
- Walz himself has tried to downplay expectations somewhat, telling people he is nervous about facing Vance following his debate prep sessions, according to CNN.
- While Democrats have dinged Vance for what they say is his lack of warmth, they acknowledge the Yale Law School graduate, author and former venture capitalist is smart and rhetorically light on his feet.
Yes, but: Some Democrats argue that the debate will be less of a referendum on oratorical skill and more of a clash of two different styles and worldviews.
- Walz "should be himself. He's the real deal. That's a sharp contrast to JD Vance — who is a big phony," said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).
- Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) said Walz is a "caring person who knows how to fight for people — and that always comes across," adding that "people are looking for normal and strong, and that's Tim."
- "Tim Walz is as likable as JD Vance is unlikeable," said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). "The debate will crystallize the contrast between the two."
What to watch: Vance will try to tear down Walz's image as a moderate and take aim at the Minnesota governor's misstatements about his service record, Axios previously reported.
- Walz is likely to look past Vance and focus on tying the Republican ticket to Project 2025 and efforts to restrict abortion, while sketching out Democrats' vision for the country.
