On The NPR Politics podcast, the correspondents broke down the vice presidential debate comparing JD Vance to former nominee Sarah Palin.
Susan Davis and Asma Khalid said age and experience could be a significant factor in Tuesday’s debate, with Vance a new senator at 40 years old facing off against 60-year-old Walz and his extensive experience in Congress and as governor.
Khalid said with Vance being one of the youngest vice presidential candidates in recent history, comparisons to Palin are likely.
“With Palin, many voters had questions about whether she was competent for the job,” Khalid said. “Did she have the experience, especially in contrast to Joe Biden, who at the time had spent many years in the U.S. Senate.”
Left: Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks during a vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. on Oct. 2, 2008; Right: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a campaign rally on Sept. 28, 2024 in Newtown, Pa.
AP Photo
Vance has been a U.S. Senator for Ohio since January 3, 2023. He was elected in the November 8, 2022, general election, defeating Democratic candidate Tim Ryan. However, Walz began his congressional career after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006. He represented Minnesota’s 1st congressional district and served until he became the governor of Minnesota in 2019.
The 2008 vice presidential debate between Biden and Palin took place at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
The then 65-year-old Biden, campaigning as Barack Obama’s running mate, faced off against then 44-year-old Palin, the Republican nominee alongside John McCain.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, and Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin face off during a vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008.
Ron Edmonds/AP Photo
From 2006 to 2009, she served as the governor of Alaska, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She gained national prominence as the Republican vice presidential nominee in the 2008 U.S. election and became known for her strong conservative views.
Palin’s vice presidential debate performance garnered mixed reviews; she delivered memorable lines and showcased her relatable charm, but struggled with questions about her qualifications, particularly regarding foreign policy. In contrast, Biden leveraged his debate experience to present a detailed policy agenda and emphasize the importance of leadership experience.
Post-debate polls indicated Biden as the clear winner, though Palin received praise from some voters for her ability to connect with the audience.
Khalid said the debate indicated she did not have the same experience as Biden.
The McCain-Palin ticket ultimately lost to Obama and Biden.
What to Expect in the Vance-Walz Showdown
The NPR correspondents said there are two main goals for Vance and Walz in the upcoming event: “One is to present a picture of who they are, and the other is to present a contrast with their opponent.”
Walz has been working to draw a clear distinction between himself and Vance, implying differences in their educational backgrounds. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is assisting Walz by standing in for Vance during debate preparations.
This combination of photos shows Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, on Aug. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
AP Photo
Campaign reporter Stephen Fowler said despite Vance’s role as a U.S. senator, many people, including Republicans, know little about him beyond the negative headlines, which have overshadowed his message.
Vance has made himself readily available for numerous interviews and media appearances to prepare for the debate. He also delivers speeches that include a Q&A segment, allowing local and national reporters to ask questions. Additionally, Vance is collaborating with Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer in his preparations for the event.
The hosts suggested while the stakes for the debate are high, the debate is unlikely to change the election outcome unless something significant occurs. If it goes well, people will likely forget it, but if it goes poorly, they will remember it.
“If Vance continues to double down on lies about Haitian migrants in his state or if Walz manages to say something about abortion that Republicans will deem too extreme, that will further drive the conversation about those two principal candidates and shape the overall vibe of the election,” Fowler said.
Debate Details
The debate is scheduled to take place in New York City, according to CBS News. It is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on October 1.
Members of the press wait to bring in equipment a day ahead of a CBS News vice presidential debate between Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in New York., Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
Matt Rourke/AP Photo
The vice presidential debate will have two moderators: CBS Evening News host Norah O’Donnell, alongside and CBS News foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.
This will be the first presidential debate this election with no male moderator.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
