JD Vance vs. Tim Walz: The 2024 US Election VP Debate Approaches

With just 39 days remaining until Election Day, the Vice Presidential debate will take place on October 1, hosted by CBS News in New York City. It will feature Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and GOP Senator JD Vance of Ohio.

Typically regarded as the underdog, Vice Presidential debates are often overlooked by voters. However, when Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz face off next week, both candidates will aim to expand on the limited impressions the public has of them while advocating for their presidential nominees, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

With no additional presidential debates scheduled, this matchup will provide candidates their last chance to deliver persuasive closing arguments for their campaigns, coinciding with the ramp-up of early voting across the country.

JD Vance, 40, a Marine veteran and Yale Law School graduate, rose to national prominence with his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and previously worked as a venture capitalist before running for the Senate. In contrast, 60-year-old Tim Walz is a former high school teacher and football coach who served in the National Guard before entering politics. Despite their different backgrounds, both have emphasized their middle-class and Midwestern backgrounds as they stepped into the national spotlight.

A recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlights a growing disparity in public perception between Republican candidate JD Vance and Democratic candidate Tim Walz. According to the study, about half of registered voters view Vance unfavorably, an increase from 40% in late July, while only about 25% hold a favorable opinion of him.

In contrast, Walz enjoys relatively better favorability, with around 30% of voters expressing a negative view, while 40% view him positively. This trend is evident among their respective party bases, where approximately 70% of Democratic voters have a favorable opinion of Walz, compared to about 60% of Republican voters who favor Vance.

Mr. Vance is doing very well in the financial market. According to new federal disclosures, he holds assets valued between $4 million and $11 million, with liabilities ranging from $750,000 to $1.5 million. His largest asset is a Schwab brokerage account, valued at approximately $2.2 million to $7.5 million, primarily invested in passively managed exchange-traded stock and bond funds.

In stark contrast, Walz's investment strategy is straightforward; the governor reported no holdings in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, private equities, or other securities in his most recent financial disclosures from January. His financial situation lacks complexity, with no trust funds or family business dealings, and he reported no consulting or speaking fees. His only recorded assets is a 529 college savings plan valued between $1,000 and $15,000. While he has access to a 401(k)-type account, it’s unclear whether he participates, as his tax filings do not provide details on those holdings.

Source: CNN, CNBC, AP, Reuters