US ELECTIONS
Tim Walz vs. J.D. Vance: What do the polls say three months before the election?
With the Democratic National Convention taking place just three months before the general election, polls are showing higher favorability for Governor Tim Walz over Senator J.D. Vance.
On November 5, voters will decide whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will be the next president of the United States.
One factor that may influence those who have yet to make up their minds is the selection of each candidate’s vice presidential picks. The GOP nominee selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, while VP Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The two men will face off in a vice presidential debate on Tuesday, October 1, hosted by CBS.
Before the VP candidates face off, the top of the ticket will have their chance. On September 10, ABC will host the first debate between Harris and Trump, and though typically three are scheduled in the fall, no others have been confirmed.
New polling on candidate favorability
From a purely observational perspective, Governor Tim Walz and Senator J.D. Vance have not had similar experiences joining the race. The Ohio Senator has been on the back foot since he was announced as Trump’s running mate, defending and clarifying comments he has made about women, leaders in the Democratic party, and personal freedom. On the other hand, Governor Walz’s entrance to the race has been marked by excitement from the Democratic base and has helped Harris gain in the polls against Donald Trump. These early boosts may indicate that independent voters who had considered sitting out the election are tuning back in and like what they hear from the Midwestern leader.
In a recent YouGov and The Economist poll, only 35 percent of those surveyed said they had a favorable view of Senator Vance, compared to 39 percent for Governor Walz. Among voters of their respective camps, both candidates do quite well, but Walz has a seven-point advantage over independents.
On the third night of the DNC convention in Chicago, Governor Walz will have an opportunity to introduce himself to those who may have not heard his message and backstory.