Tim Walz and JD Vance have goals for Tuesday’s debate.

The vice-presidential debates are often seen as less impactful than the presidential debates, but this year’s clash between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz could be different. This debate is expected to be the final one of the 2024 election season, making it a crucial opportunity for both candidates to connect with voters before Election Day.

Walz and Vance, despite both being white Midwestern men with military backgrounds, have vastly different policy approaches. This debate will test which candidate can effectively convey their message to the Rust Belt battleground states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, potentially influencing the outcome of the election.

Walz’s goal in this debate is to present Kamala Harris as the ‘normal’ choice, emphasizing her mainstream appeal and validating her candidacy to undecided voters. He will highlight his own background and policy positions to show that even someone who might typically support Trump can find common ground with the Democratic ticket.

On the other hand, Vance will aim to shift the focus away from defending himself and towards attacking Walz and Harris. His task will be to frame his criticisms in a way that resonates with average voters and to articulate Trump’s agenda, which has been largely unaddressed in terms of policy specifics.

Both candidates will need to address past controversies and misleading claims during the debate. Walz will look to clear up misunderstandings regarding his military record and family fertility struggles, while Vance will need to pivot to offense and present a compelling vision for Trump’s second term in office.

For Vance, this debate is not only about helping Trump get elected but also about positioning himself as a future leader within the Republican Party. A strong performance could elevate his standing, while a weak showing may push Republicans to seek other candidates.

Ultimately, the outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for the election, making it a significant event in the lead-up to November.