Walz Claims He Could “Defeat” Vance in Future Debate

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz suggested on Tuesday that he could “defeat” Vice President J.D. Vance in a rematch debate. In a chat with Tim Miller on “Bulwark,” Walz reflected on his previous debate performance, admitting he might have underestimated Vance’s approach.

Walz acknowledged past misjudgments, saying, “I own it. But you know how it goes—when you’re part of a team, you follow orders. Sure, I could have made different choices, but I’m a team player and I’ve never mocked anyone in a debate.” He emphasized his commitment to constructive discourse, even amid fierce competition.

He added that while he doesn’t enjoy confrontation, he would be eager to challenge Vance’s assertions, particularly around issues like immigration and housing prices. “If I got the chance, yes, I’d challenge him directly. His claims were outlandish,” Walz stated.

Many observers considered Vance to be the victor in their recent debate, noting the unexpectedly amicable interactions between the two candidates.

Walz’s debate performance drew criticism, including remarks from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed disappointment at his seemingly friendly demeanor toward Vance. In her memoir, “107 Days,” she recalled feeling frustrated as Walz appeared to be swayed by Vance’s “mild” persona.

Harris noted that despite her reassurances regarding the debate’s limited impact on poll results, she had higher hopes for Walz’s readiness in such situations. “In choosing Tim, I thought experience would guide him. Looking back, I wonder if anyone could have handled it differently,” she reflected.