According to political experts, the strategies Vance and Walz must employ to secure a debate victory
It's the most significant evaluation to date for the vice presidential candidates.
TroibNews 
When JD Vance and Tim Walz face off for their sole debate tonight, their objectives are clear: undermine the opposing candidate while supporting their running mate. However, this task may prove challenging.
Vance may need to address his previous remarks about women and families, as well as defend against false claims regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Additionally, the Ohio senator, who recently made headlines by stating that former President Donald Trump would veto a national abortion ban, must exercise caution to avoid overshadowing his running mate.
On the other hand, Walz is more accustomed to athletic competition than the intense scrutiny of such a significant political event. He will confront a challenger intent on linking him to his more progressive policies while the Democratic ticket seeks to appeal to moderate voters.
Following debates between Trump and President Biden, and Trump and Harris, tonight’s encounter is expected to be the final debate of this campaign season. In light of this, PMG consulted top strategists and political insiders to gauge expectations for Walz and Vance in their CBS News-moderated debate in New York City, as well as define what success looks like for each candidate.
Here are their insights, condensed for clarity:
**Kristin Davison, Republican consultant at Axiom Strategies:** Every debate has an audience, and it will be crucial to see how both candidates connect with theirs. Will Vance lean on his personal story to appeal to undecided voters in places like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Conversely, will Walz try to please the progressive base while remaining relatable? The early moments of the debate will likely reveal their strategies—whether they seek to win votes or simply acclaim from their supporters.
Vance has a chance to changing perceptions, especially if he can present himself respectfully, avoid personal attacks, and promote a positive vision aligned with Trump’s policies.
**Doug Herman, California-based Democratic strategist:** This is a significant opportunity for both candidates to introduce themselves to a large audience. It will be important to observe how they frame their values and policy positions. A key point of interest will be whether Vance distances himself from Trump’s policies, as he has previously been known to do.
Walz needs to convey a strong sense of leadership without falling into the trap of being branded as overly liberal. If viewers come away with the impression of him as a regular Midwestern figure, that constitutes a victory.
**Tricia McLaughlin, Republican consultant:** I’m eager to see if Vance can effectively critique both Walz and Harris regarding their progressive records. His ability to do so efficiently may set him apart from Trump’s debate style.
Walz will likely attempt to remind viewers of Vance’s controversial past statements, but it’s essential that Vance does not take the bait.
Walz aims to portray himself as a champion for everyone, including working-class individuals and men, while painting Vance negatively.
**Anthony Coley, former senior official in the Biden Justice Department:** The candidates must demonstrate that they could be trusted leaders in the event of a presidential transition. They should exhibit both composure and relatability. If more viewers feel they would prefer to share a beer with Walz over Vance, and Walz shows command of the topics at hand, he will succeed.
My concern for Walz is that he may get caught up in defending past statements rather than counterattacking when necessary. His natural relatability will be vital here.
**Bill McCoshen, Wisconsin-based GOP strategist:** Vance should focus on pressing Walz for clear answers regarding the changing positions of Vice President Harris during the campaign. If he can effectively challenge Walz on these shifts, it could benefit him, even if vice presidential debates rarely alter overall outcomes.
**Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist:** I expect Walz to communicate authentically, addressing how Harris' policies are designed to aid working-class families. It’s crucial for him to illustrate her seriousness in problem-solving.
On the contrary, I anticipate Vance will quickly take a more aggressive stance, given the need to respond to previous criticisms of his ticket.
**Charlie Gerow, Pennsylvania-based Republican strategist:** Few voters are swayed by vice presidential candidates, which makes these debates more about framing the main ticket. Vance will need to make Walz address Harris's shifting positions.
Democrats will likely attempt to spotlight Vance’s past remarks, but I believe he can adeptly clarify those points.
**Mark Longabaugh, Democratic strategist:** Republicans have struggled to portray Walz inaccurately as a far-left figure. I suspect Vance may pursue this tactic but ultimately fail, as Walz is likely prepared to defend his record convincingly.
Walz needs to embody the qualities that made him a strong vice presidential choice: his down-to-earth nature, humor, and relatability. I predict he will excel in the humor department, especially in a way that resonates with audiences.
**Barrett Marson, Arizona-based GOP strategist:** This debate is an important opportunity for viewers to see how Walz responds under pressure, particularly when faced with challenging questions. Unlike Vance, who has engaged in tough interviews, Walz's prior lesser media presence makes this an important moment for him.
The goal tonight should be to avoid major blunders; being cautious is more advisable than risking a slip-up, particularly considering the prominent nature of the campaign.
**Antjuan Seawright, South Carolina-based Democratic strategist:** Walz should approach the debate like a seasoned football coach—protecting his narrative regarding Harris and countering Vance’s misinformation effectively.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Vance may need to address his previous remarks about women and families, as well as defend against false claims regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Additionally, the Ohio senator, who recently made headlines by stating that former President Donald Trump would veto a national abortion ban, must exercise caution to avoid overshadowing his running mate.
On the other hand, Walz is more accustomed to athletic competition than the intense scrutiny of such a significant political event. He will confront a challenger intent on linking him to his more progressive policies while the Democratic ticket seeks to appeal to moderate voters.
Following debates between Trump and President Biden, and Trump and Harris, tonight’s encounter is expected to be the final debate of this campaign season. In light of this, PMG consulted top strategists and political insiders to gauge expectations for Walz and Vance in their CBS News-moderated debate in New York City, as well as define what success looks like for each candidate.
Here are their insights, condensed for clarity:
**Kristin Davison, Republican consultant at Axiom Strategies:** Every debate has an audience, and it will be crucial to see how both candidates connect with theirs. Will Vance lean on his personal story to appeal to undecided voters in places like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Conversely, will Walz try to please the progressive base while remaining relatable? The early moments of the debate will likely reveal their strategies—whether they seek to win votes or simply acclaim from their supporters.
Vance has a chance to changing perceptions, especially if he can present himself respectfully, avoid personal attacks, and promote a positive vision aligned with Trump’s policies.
**Doug Herman, California-based Democratic strategist:** This is a significant opportunity for both candidates to introduce themselves to a large audience. It will be important to observe how they frame their values and policy positions. A key point of interest will be whether Vance distances himself from Trump’s policies, as he has previously been known to do.
Walz needs to convey a strong sense of leadership without falling into the trap of being branded as overly liberal. If viewers come away with the impression of him as a regular Midwestern figure, that constitutes a victory.
**Tricia McLaughlin, Republican consultant:** I’m eager to see if Vance can effectively critique both Walz and Harris regarding their progressive records. His ability to do so efficiently may set him apart from Trump’s debate style.
Walz will likely attempt to remind viewers of Vance’s controversial past statements, but it’s essential that Vance does not take the bait.
Walz aims to portray himself as a champion for everyone, including working-class individuals and men, while painting Vance negatively.
**Anthony Coley, former senior official in the Biden Justice Department:** The candidates must demonstrate that they could be trusted leaders in the event of a presidential transition. They should exhibit both composure and relatability. If more viewers feel they would prefer to share a beer with Walz over Vance, and Walz shows command of the topics at hand, he will succeed.
My concern for Walz is that he may get caught up in defending past statements rather than counterattacking when necessary. His natural relatability will be vital here.
**Bill McCoshen, Wisconsin-based GOP strategist:** Vance should focus on pressing Walz for clear answers regarding the changing positions of Vice President Harris during the campaign. If he can effectively challenge Walz on these shifts, it could benefit him, even if vice presidential debates rarely alter overall outcomes.
**Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist:** I expect Walz to communicate authentically, addressing how Harris' policies are designed to aid working-class families. It’s crucial for him to illustrate her seriousness in problem-solving.
On the contrary, I anticipate Vance will quickly take a more aggressive stance, given the need to respond to previous criticisms of his ticket.
**Charlie Gerow, Pennsylvania-based Republican strategist:** Few voters are swayed by vice presidential candidates, which makes these debates more about framing the main ticket. Vance will need to make Walz address Harris's shifting positions.
Democrats will likely attempt to spotlight Vance’s past remarks, but I believe he can adeptly clarify those points.
**Mark Longabaugh, Democratic strategist:** Republicans have struggled to portray Walz inaccurately as a far-left figure. I suspect Vance may pursue this tactic but ultimately fail, as Walz is likely prepared to defend his record convincingly.
Walz needs to embody the qualities that made him a strong vice presidential choice: his down-to-earth nature, humor, and relatability. I predict he will excel in the humor department, especially in a way that resonates with audiences.
**Barrett Marson, Arizona-based GOP strategist:** This debate is an important opportunity for viewers to see how Walz responds under pressure, particularly when faced with challenging questions. Unlike Vance, who has engaged in tough interviews, Walz's prior lesser media presence makes this an important moment for him.
The goal tonight should be to avoid major blunders; being cautious is more advisable than risking a slip-up, particularly considering the prominent nature of the campaign.
**Antjuan Seawright, South Carolina-based Democratic strategist:** Walz should approach the debate like a seasoned football coach—protecting his narrative regarding Harris and countering Vance’s misinformation effectively.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
