Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., is preparing to play the role of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Sen. JD Vance’s final vice presidential debate rehearsals. Vance, an Ohio Republican, has been working with key members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign to hone his debate strategy for over a month. The preparations have included in-person and virtual practice sessions, as well as “murder boards” to work through potentially tough questions.
Emmer, who has deep Midwest roots like Vance and Walz, has been chosen as a stand-in for the governor to familiarize Vance with Walz’s debate style and policy positions. The goal of the preparations is to dismantle Walz’s moderate image and effectively respond to attacks.
In Vance’s previous campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, he faced accusations of supporting the “great replacement theory” from opponent Tim Ryan. Vance defended himself by highlighting his biracial children and condemning the attacks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is playing Vance in Walz’s debate prep, which is being led by aides Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique.
Walz’s debate prep team includes advisor Liz Allen, communications director Michael Tyler, and longtime aide Chris Schmitter. They are focused on presenting Vice President Kamala Harris’ vision of a “New Way Forward” to the American people. The debate is seen as an opportunity for Walz to connect with voters and contrast his views with those of Vance.
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