The vice-presidential debate which will take place Tuesday evening in New York between JD Vance and Tim Walz could be a real “clash”, believes a diplomat in residence.
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According to the diplomat in residence at the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Laval, Louise Blais, the change in format for the Vance-Walz debate could spark sparks.
“We can expect some sparks, because unlike the presidential debate, the mics will be open, there’s probably going to be a lot more direct interaction between the candidates and they have a right to speak. So, we can expect a “clash” and it will spark. I think that’s why Americans will probably watch the debate,” explains Ms. Blais in an interview on the show Le Bilan.
Although the vice-presidential debate has historically had little impact on the presidential election, the outcome of the Vance-Walz confrontation could have an impact on the November 5 vote.
The former Canadian ambassador to the UN believes that the two candidates will be very prepared given the importance of their performance in the rest of the presidential campaign.
“I think both are very well prepared and continue to prepare. I still find it interesting that JD Vance asked Tom Emmer to [faire semblant d’être] Tim Walz. Meanwhile, Tim Walz practiced with Pete Buttigieg, who is known to be a great debater. So, both take the debate very seriously,” she says.
Louise Blais expects a big show between JD Vance and Tim Walz due to the inexperience of both running mates.
“It’s not certain who will come out on top. You have to watch the debate tomorrow. Even if we have a knockout or a big winner, it’s not even clear that it will have an impact on the vote. But, you never know. This is a completely extraordinary campaign. I think you have to be ready for anything,” underlines the diplomat in residence at Laval University.
See the full interview with Louise Blais in the video below
