ST. PAUL — Tim Walz gazed into the television camera and sped through a seemingly rehearsed set of points he was hoping to drive home in one of his first political debates, just days before the 2006 election that would catapult him from the classroom to Congress. “We have an opportunity here to exercise that greatest of American gifts: the ability to vote and to vote for a representative who will take this country in the direction you feel is best,” Walz said as he closed out the hourlong debate from an Austin TV studio, adding, “My optimism in this country is so great.
” That moment, as important as it was for him at the time, pales in comparison to what awaits Walz on Tuesday, Oct. 1, as the two-term governor and Democratic vice presidential nominee steps on a debate stage with JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president. ADVERTISEMENT While Walz is still projecting himself as a candidate of positivity, the hits will come hard and he won’t have the out of being a newcomer.
And the audience of many millions will be watching for any slip-ups. Vance, an Ohio senator, is only a couple years onto the political scene. Walz has a nearly two-decade run in politics.
But neither has been exposed to the pressure of a situation at this level. Walz’s track record suggests he will focus on his past life experience as a teacher, assistant football coach and Army National Guard member. Those who’ve debated him before say Walz has a down-to-earth style that is relatab.