House Majority Whip Tom Emmer recently revealed that he extensively researched Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom he has known for nearly two decades, to help prepare Sen. JD Vance for an upcoming vice presidential debate. Emmer shared that he and Walz had worked together directly for four years, starting in 2015 when Emmer was first sworn in as a Minnesota Republican in the House.
Emmer described Walz as a 'complete disaster in Minnesota' and criticized his tenure as governor, stating that Walz had portrayed himself as a 'folksy, agriculture-friendly outdoorsman' during his time in Congress. Emmer likened Walz to Gavin Newsom in a flannel shirt, implying that the governor's public persona differed from his true self.
Despite not delving into the specifics of Vance's debate preparation, Emmer expressed confidence in Trump's running mate, asserting that Vance would perform well once he understood Walz's debating tactics. Emmer emphasized the importance of holding Walz accountable during the debate and suggested that the governor might resort to deflecting questions with a folksy demeanor.
Emmer's dedication to meticulously studying Walz's past speeches and mannerisms underscores the thoroughness of Vance's debate preparation. By leveraging his longstanding acquaintance with Walz, Emmer aimed to equip Vance with the necessary insights to effectively engage with the governor during the upcoming debate.
As the debate approaches, the collaboration between Emmer and Vance highlights the strategic efforts being made to ensure a strong performance on the national stage. With Emmer's guidance and Vance's determination, the stage is set for a compelling exchange of ideas and perspectives between the vice presidential candidates.
