The vice-presidential debate which will take place Tuesday evening in New York between JD Vance and Tim Walz could be a real “clash”, believes a diplomat in residence.
• Also read: Vance less popular than Walz in the polls: the two running mates will debate Tuesday
• Also read: Vance vs. Walz: The Most Important Vice Presidential Debate in History?
According to the diplomat in residence at the Graduate School of International Studies at Laval University, Louise Blais, the change in format for the Vance–Walz debate could spark sparks.
“We can expect some sparks, because unlike the presidential debate, the microphones will be open, there will probably be a lot more direct interaction between the candidates and they have a right to speak. So, we can expect a clash and it will spark. I think that’s why Americans will probably watch the debate,” explains M.me Blais interviewed on the show The Balance Sheet.
Although the vice-presidential debate has historically had little impact on the presidential election, the outcome of the Vance–Walz confrontation could have an impact on the November 5 vote.
The former Canadian ambassador to the UN believes that the two candidates will be very prepared given the importance of their performance in the rest of the presidential campaign.
“I think both are very well prepared and continue to prepare. I still find it interesting that JD Vance asked Tom Emmer to (pretend to be) Tim Walz. Meanwhile, Tim Walz practiced with Pete Buttigieg, who is known to be a great debater. So, both take the debate very seriously,” she says.
Louise Blais expects a big show between JD Vance and Tim Walz due to the inexperience of both running mates.
“It’s not certain who will come out on top. You have to watch the debate tomorrow. Even if we have a knockout. or a big winner, it’s not even clear that it will have an impact on the vote. But, you never know. This is a completely unusual campaign. I think you have to be ready for anything,” underlines the diplomat in residence at Laval University.
See the full interview with Louise Blais in the video below.
