JD Vance won't agree to debate until Tim Walz is officially nominated as Dems might pull 'switcheroo' again
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Republican vice presidential nominee, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), has expressed his willingness to engage in a debate with the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
However, he will only commit to such a debate after the Democratic Party has officially confirmed their candidate.
JD Vance on debating Dem VP nominee Tim Walz
During a press conference in Philadelphia, JD Vance, who is running alongside former President Donald Trump, noted the uncertainty surrounding the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.
He pointed out the recent selection of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, replacing President Joe Biden, and the subsequent nomination of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Vance remarked, "The Democrats have shown a willingness to pull a little ‘switcheroo’ on us," adding, "So I don’t even know if we’re actually going to get [Minnesota Gov] Tim Walz” as an opponent.
He emphasized his decision to wait for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, before committing to any debate.
Vance criticized Harris, saying that until the Democrats certify Walz, "We’re going to run against Kamala Harris because she’s the problem, and she’s the one asking to be the people’s president of the United States."
Vance noted Harris's lack of media engagement since becoming the presidential nominee, highlighting that she had not given any interviews in the 16 days following Biden's withdrawal from the race on July 21.
Biden's exit from the race came shortly after a challenging debate with Trump on June 27, which led to numerous calls for him to step down. Vance underscored the importance of presidential candidates facing "tough questions," and urged the media to demand answers from Harris.
“To the media, please, for the love of God, do a better job, because the American people demand it,” Vance said.
Trump and Harris at an impasse over debate
Meanwhile, the potential debate between Trump and Harris remains uncertain.
Trump had initially agreed to an ABC News debate with Biden on September 10 but announced on August 2 that the agreement was "terminated" following Biden's exit. He cited ongoing litigation against ABC and host George Stephanopolous for defamation and conflict of interest.
Trump proposed an alternative debate hosted by Fox News on September 4 in Pennsylvania, with similar rules to his previous debate with Biden but allowing a full arena audience. In response, Harris declined the Fox News proposal but said she was willing to participate in the ABC debate in Biden's stead.
Vance, known for his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' has emphasized his Midwestern roots, despite his background in Silicon Valley as a venture capitalist. He now faces Tim Walz, a candidate with a strong rural and military background, who is positioning himself as a quintessential "Midwestern dad."
At a rally in Philadelphia, Vance targeted both Harris and Walz, describing them as "partners in crime." He accused Walz of intending to move manufacturing jobs overseas, a criticism he had previously directed at Harris.
“The biggest problem with the Tim Walz pick is not Tim Walz himself, it’s what it says about Kamala Harris,” he added, insisting that Harris “bent the knee” to far-left progressives in the Democratic Party by picking him.
Vance's rally in Philadelphia marked the beginning of a tour through key battleground states, closely mirroring the Harris campaign's itinerary.
On the same evening, Harris and Walz held their first joint rally at the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia, just miles away from Vance's event. Both campaigns were scheduled to continue their efforts in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the following days, the New York Times reported.
