Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., is set to play Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Sen. JD Vance’s final vice presidential debate rehearsals. Vance, an Ohio Republican, has been preparing for the face-off with Walz in New York with the help of former President Donald Trump’s campaign team. Key members of Vance’s team, including Jason Miller and Vance’s wife Usha, have been involved in the debate strategy sessions.
The choice of Emmer as a stand-in for Walz provides Vance with a Minnesotan perspective and helps familiarize him with Walz’s debate style and policies. Vance’s goal is to destroy Walz’s moderate image and showcase his own experience responding to attacks.
In previous debates, Ryan accused Vance of supporting a conspiracy theory known as the “great replacement theory.” Vance responded by defending himself and highlighting the attacks on his biracial children due to such accusations.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is playing Vance in Walz’s debate prep. Walz’s team, led by aides Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique, includes communication director Michael Tyler and longtime aide Chris Schmitter.
The debate will provide Walz with an opportunity to present Vice President Kamala Harris’ vision to the American people and contrast it with the Trump administration’s policies. Walz is focused on showcasing a “New Way Forward” and turning the page on the policies of the previous administration.
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