Tue Oct 01 03:45:46 UTC 2024: ## Vance Set to Highlight Walz’s Record in Vice Presidential Debate
**New York City, September 30, 2024** – With the upcoming vice presidential debate on October 1st, Republican candidate Senator JD Vance is expected to aggressively target Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s record on education, free speech, and economic policies.
Vance is likely to highlight Walz’s controversial decision to keep state-run schools closed for in-person learning during the pandemic for an extended period, while also blocking legislation that would have helped parents access in-person education elsewhere.
The debate will also see Vance potentially challenge Walz’s understanding of the First Amendment, citing his 2022 statement claiming there is no guarantee of free speech for “hate speech.” Legal experts and even comedian Joe Rogan have criticized this stance, arguing that the First Amendment protects all forms of speech.
Furthermore, Vance may raise concerns about Walz’s opposition to school choice reforms, particularly his claim that education savings accounts (ESAs) “defund public schools.” Experts have refuted this assertion, arguing that ESAs provide parents with more choices and do not negatively impact public schools.
On the economic front, Vance is likely to criticize Walz’s fiscal record, including his enactment of billions of dollars in tax hikes despite a budget surplus. Vance could also point to Walz’s support for the 2009 cap-and-trade legislation, which would have significantly raised taxes on consumers and businesses.
With Walz having conducted few interviews, the vice presidential debate will be a crucial platform for the Trump-Vance campaign to hold him accountable for his policies and force him to address these contentious issues.
First Piper 