Tim Walz and JD Vance: How the US vice-presidential candidates campaigned

Tim Walz, a former high school teacher and a retired National Guard command sergeant major, has spent decades in public service. Born in 1964 in Nebraska and educated at Chadron State College, Walz brings a wealth of experience across sectors. His early career as a teacher and coach in Mankato, Minnesota, instilled in him a commitment to education and community values.

His years in the National Guard, which culminated in a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, make him a fitting choice for a candidate focused on unifying American society.

JD Vance, on the other hand, has come to prominence more recently. Born in 1984 in Middletown, Ohio, Vance’s rise from working-class roots to Yale Law School graduate and bestselling author has been meteoric.

His memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, published in 2016, gives us an account of his upbringing in a Rust Belt community, ravaged by economic decline and instability. This resonated with a broad audience and propelled him into the public eye as a spokesperson for a forgotten America. He served in the US Marine Corps and subsequently pursued a legal career.

Their take on economy and governance

Walz has underlined healthcare reform, educational advancement, and environmental protection. As governor of Minnesota, he pursued a “One Minnesota” vision, aiming to bridge urban and rural divides through inclusive policies. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prioritised science-based measures and public health, was lauded by his supporters but criticised by opponents for its economic repercussions. His bipartisan approach, particularly on issues like veterans’ affairs, resonates with moderates, who see in him a steady, pragmatic leader focused on substantive issues rather than partisan rhetoric.

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Vance’s agenda, in contrast, centres on economic revitalisation with a strong emphasis on deregulation and American manufacturing. His policies favour tax cuts for middle- and lower-income households, as well as incentives for companies that keep jobs in the United States. Vance’s stance on social issues reflects his commitment to conservative values, including parental rights in education and opposition to ideological shifts in schools. His message is relevant with voters in economically depressed regions who see in him a champion of traditional family values and community renewal. His staunch advocacy for reducing federal oversight aligns him with Trump’s populist base, which favours limited government intervention.

Controversies and criticisms

Both candidates have faced their share of controversies. Walz’s military service record, though important, has been scrutinised by critics who question his decision to retire from the National Guard before a scheduled deployment. While his supporters vouch for his commitment to public service, the issue has occasionally clouded his reputation. Moreover, his response to the unrest following George Floyd’s death sparked debates about law enforcement and community relations. Walz’s approach to police reform has involved nuanced discussions, aiming to balance accountability with effective policing, though critics argue his actions have fallen short of expectation.

Vance, meanwhile, has faced criticism for his rapid political ascent and alignment with Trump’s hardline stances. Some view his transformation from best-selling author and social commentator to staunch Trump ally as opportunistic. Critics argue that his emphasis on deregulation and tax cuts fails to address the systemic challenges facing American workers. Vance’s views on education, particularly his resistance to certain ideological shifts, have drawn ire from progressive circles, who see his policies as an attempt to stifle progressive reforms. Despite these criticisms, Vance’s supporters praise his commitment to Middle America and his focus on traditional values.

On swing states

Both candidates are keenly aware of the battleground states that could determine the outcome of the election. Walz’s campaign aimed to appeal to suburban voters and moderates, highlighting his record on healthcare, education, and veterans’ affairs. By focusing on policy-driven solutions and bipartisan collaboration, Walz presents himself as a steady, capable leader aligned with Harris’s broader goals. His campaign also focused on unity and recovery; he drew on his experience in public service to build trust with voters.

Vance, however, employed a more aggressive strategy that aligned with Trump’s populist base. His messaging targeted swing states in the Rust Belt and economically struggling regions, where his personal story of overcoming hardship resonates. By casting himself as a defender of traditional American values and a proponent of economic independence, Vance sought to connect with voters who feel left behind by the federal government. His campaign revolved around job security, family principles, and community strength — issues that have proven effective in energising Trump’s base.

Healthcare, education, and cultural values

On healthcare, Walz and Vance stand at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. Walz advocates for expanded access to healthcare, aligning with Democratic goals of universal coverage and affordable care. His tenure as governor saw efforts to strengthen Minnesota’s healthcare infrastructure, a record he touted on the campaign trail. Vance, meanwhile, opposed expansive federal healthcare initiatives, viewing them as government overreach. Instead, he supports market-driven solutions and reduced regulatory constraints, arguing that these measures will make healthcare more accessible without increasing federal intervention.

Their stances on education are similarly divergent. Walz’s background as a teacher informs his support for robust public education funding and progressive curriculum standards. His policies reflect a commitment to inclusive education, aimed at preparing students for a diverse, interconnected world. Vance, however, advocates for greater parental control over educational content, aligning with conservative concerns about ideological shifts in schools. He emphasizes local decision-making in education, aiming to empower communities and preserve traditional values in public institutions.

Two visions for America’s future

Walz represents stability, pragmatism, and a collaborative approach to governance, appealing to voters seeking a steady hand in uncertain times. His record on healthcare, education, and veterans’ issues aligns with the Democratic vision of an inclusive, resilient society, and his campaign centred on continuity and gradual progress. Vance, conversely, champions the zeal of Trump’s Republican base. His emphasis on deregulation, economic independence, and cultural preservation speaks to voters disillusioned with the status quo. Vance focused on reviving American industry and reinforcing traditional values, offering a vision of dramatic change and promises to upend existing structures in favour of a return to conservative ideals.

As the vice-presidential candidates for the 2024 US election, Tim Walz and JD Vance bring to the table two different visions for America’s future. Walz’s experience-driven, collaborative approach offers a path of incremental progress and unity, appealing to voters who value stability and inclusiveness. His focus on healthcare, education, and veterans’ support underscores his commitment to addressing tangible needs.

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Vance, on the other hand, stands for the Republican Party’s current push for radical change. His stance on economic revitalisation, cultural preservation, and regulatory rollback speaks to a voter base eager for change. Vance’s campaign targets the disaffected and the disenfranchised, those who feel sidelined by the political establishment and yearn for a return to traditional American values.

The choice between Walz and Vance is, in many ways, a referendum on America’s direction. Will voters opt for the stability and continuity championed by Walz, or will they embrace Vance’s call for sweeping change and revitalization? This election will not only determine the next vice president but also set the tone for the country’s direction, revealing whether America will seek unity in diversity or assert its traditional roots. The stakes, as ever, are high.