Trump Sets Stage for Potential Excuse as Vance Prepares for VP Debate Against Walz

By Newsroom

Administrator

Posted: October 2, 2024 at 12:34 pm, Updated: October 2, 2024 at 12:34 pm

‘The debate transported back to an era when politicians could be civil, and to get on you didn’t have to castigate your opponent as an enemy of the people.’ Illustration: Angelica Alzona/Guardian Design

Key Points

Donald Trump has preemptively claimed the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is “rigged,” echoing his previous complaints about unfairness in debates.
Trump’s remarks follow criticism of his poor performance in a prior debate with Kamala Harris, which was labeled by GOP pollster Frank Luntz as one of his worst.
The upcoming debate is significant, with around 75% of Americans expected to watch, as vice presidential candidates often have a notable impact on the overall ticket.

Trump Sets Stage for Potential Excuse as Vance Prepares for VP Debate Against Walz

Donald Trump is already laying the groundwork for a potential excuse if JD Vance loses the upcoming vice presidential debate against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. During an appearance on Fox Nation on Monday, according to The Hill, the former president claimed to Kellyanne Conway, his former campaign manager, that the debate is “rigged” against his running mate.

“I would love to have two or three more debates, I like it, I enjoyed it,” Trump stated, while also expressing frustration over the fairness of the debates. “But they’re so rigged and so stacked. You’ll see it tomorrow with JD, it’ll be stacked.”

This rhetoric is reminiscent of Trump’s complaints following his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, where he performed poorly according to critics and allies. Trump made sweeping allegations without providing evidence, insisting that Walz’s selection as a running mate was a mistake. “He’s going up against a moron, a total moron,” Trump remarked, questioning how Harris chose Walz and labeling him “sick.”

Longtime GOP pollster Frank Luntz described Trump’s performance in the earlier debate as one of the worst he had ever seen, criticizing it as “pretty negative” and “pessimistic.” Trump himself made the unusual choice to address reporters immediately after the debate, complaining about its fairness and targeting ABC moderators for fact-checking him.

As Vance and Walz prepare to face off tonight, this debate marks a significant moment in the presidential race, with around 75% of Americans planning to watch. Polling indicates that two-thirds of Democrats believe the vice presidential candidate can significantly influence the overall presidential ticket. Historically, six former vice presidents have ascended to the presidency, making tonight’s debate potentially consequential in determining future leadership.

Viewers can catch the debate at 9 PM ET on CBS News and its affiliated platforms, including CBSNews.com and Paramount+