Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., is playing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Sen. JD Vance’s final vice presidential debate rehearsals, with the sessions capping more than a month of preparation. Vance, an Ohio Republican, has been working with former President Donald Trump’s campaign, including key members of Vance’s team, to hone his debate strategy. This involved in-person, virtual practice sessions, and “murder boards” to work through potentially tough questions. Emmer was chosen as a stand-in for Walz to provide Vance with another Midwestern with deep roots like him and Walz. The main focus of the debate preparation has been familiarizing Vance with Walz’s debate style and policy positions with the goal of undermining Walz’s moderate image. Vance has experience responding to attacks on social media and in other forums. In his previous campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, Vance faced accusations of supporting the “great replacement theory” by opponent Tim Ryan, to which Vance responded by defending himself and highlighting his biracial children. The debate preparation has involved studying Walz’s previous debates from his past campaigns to better understand his tactics and positions. The Vance team is preparing intensively to ensure Vance is well-prepared and ready to face Walz in the upcoming debate.
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