As the vice presidential debate looms, Democratic nominee Tim Walz is reportedly feeling the pressure.
Sources close to Walz have revealed to CNN that the candidate is apprehensive about the upcoming face-off with Republican J.D. Vance, expressing concerns about potentially disappointing his running mate, Kamala Harris.
According to the Daily Mail, the stakes are high for this debate, as it is likely to be the final major confrontation between the two presidential tickets before the November 5th election. While Harris has agreed to another presidential debate hosted by CNN, President Donald Trump has yet to confirm his participation.
In preparation for the debate, Walz has enlisted the assistance of Pete Buttigieg, who is standing in for Vance during mock debate sessions. Buttigieg, a frequent guest on Fox News, is known for his polished on-camera persona and his ability to hold his own against conservative hosts. However, he has drawn the line at growing a beard to more closely resemble the Ohio senator.
The debate camp is taking place in northern Emmet County, Michigan. CBS News will host the debate on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET in New York City. The event is set to last 90 minutes, with no audience present in the studio. Moderators for the evening will be Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan.
Despite his extensive preparation, Walz has previously admitted to Harris that he is not a skilled debater. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, speaking to CNN, described Walz as a strong individual but not a "lawyer-debater type."
In contrast, Vance, a Yale graduate, has honed his debate skills at the Ivy League institution. This has led to concerns among Walz's allies that the Republican candidate could undermine Walz's affable persona and paint him as an out-of-touch liberal.
Republican Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, who is assisting Vance with his debate preparation, has already given a glimpse of their strategy. In an interview with ABC's This Week, Emmer likened Walz to California Governor Gavin Newsom, albeit in a flannel shirt.
Emmer, who also spoke to DailyMail.com about the debate preparations, said, "I've spent the last month going through all of his debates. If I do my job, J.D. is going to expose him." He added that he has been studying Walz's tactics and plans to show Vance how to counter Walz's 'Minnesota Nice' persona.
However, Walz, a former football coach, has a strategy of his own. He plans to bypass Vance and focus his attacks on Trump. The Minnesota governor intends to use his likability to criticize Vance over 'Project 2025' and for his allegiance to Trump.
Following the vice presidential debate, Harris and Walz are scheduled to embark on a bus tour through Central Pennsylvania, marking their first joint campaign event in the region. They plan to make multiple stops to engage with voters.
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