Senior adviser Ian Sams discusses the significance of the upcoming vice presidential debate, highlighting the stark contrast between the visions presented by the candidates.
At a Glance
- Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz will face off in the first and only vice presidential debate.
- The debate will take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in NYC.
- Moderators for the debate are Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan.
- Ian Sams previewed the debate as presenting two very different visions for the country.
Debate Outlook
The upcoming vice presidential debate between Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz, hosted by CBS News, promises to be a significant event. The debate is scheduled for October 1 at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. Moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will steer the discussion.
Ian Sams, senior adviser to the Harris 2024 campaign, shared his insights on the upcoming vice presidential debate, emphasizing that voters will witness “two very different visions for the country.” Sams highlighted that Gov. Tim Walz will advocate for progressive policies, including social justice and economic equity. Conversely, Sen. JD Vance is expected to present a vision centered around conservative principles like deregulation and fiscal conservatism.
Preparation and Key Issues
Sen. JD Vance has been rigorously preparing for the debate through “murder board” sessions. He has been practicing with his wife, advisers, and senior Trump adviser Jason Miller. His preparation focuses heavily on understanding Tim Walz’s debate style and policy record. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has stood in for Walz during Vance’s mock debates.
“I think voters are going to get a chance to see two running mates who are advocating for two very different visions for the country,” said Sams.
Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz has been preparing with a close team of advisers, including individuals who aided Vice President Kamala Harris. Walz aims to use the debate as an opportunity to introduce himself to the American public while highlighting Harris’ vision. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been acting as a stand-in for Vance during Walz’s preparations.
Health Care Debate
One of the major discussion points will be healthcare policies. Sams criticized JD Vance’s proposal of reopening high-risk pools for individuals with preexisting conditions, arguing that it would result in higher costs and potential loss of coverage for these individuals.
“Just today, for example, we have a new report out from the campaign on famously, Donald Trump in the first debate, saying he has a ‘concept of a plan’ on health care. Well, right after that, JD Vance, his running mate, came out and explained what that plan meant by pushing – that we’re going to reopen what are called high-risk pools. That’s for people with preexisting conditions.”
JD Vance had previously discussed his healthcare plan on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” advocating for both coverage of preexisting conditions and a deregulatory approach to healthcare systems. This plan has faced substantial opposition from the Harris-Walz campaign, which released a report condemning the elements of the proposed Trump-Vance healthcare agenda.
