The race for the Vice Presidency is heating up, with early polls showing a slight advantage for Democratic nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over Republican Senator JD Vance. According to a recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey, 39% of Americans view Walz favorably, compared to 32% for Vance. While 30% disapprove of Walz, a significant 31% remain undecided on their opinion of Harris’ running mate.
However, the poll also highlights some potential vulnerabilities for Walz. A significant 44% of Americans disapprove of him as Harris’ running mate, suggesting concerns about his suitability for the role. Among rural voters, a critical demographic for Republicans, Vance leads by a substantial 13 percentage points. He also enjoys a significant lead, net positive 37 points, among White evangelical Protestants, a key base for the GOP.
Walz’s strengths lie in his appeal to younger voters and his more positive image among both men and women. He holds a 16-point advantage over Vance among those under 40 years old. The poll, conducted from August 9 to 13 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, suggests that the race for Vice President is still very much in play.
The two candidates are expected to face off in their first debate on CBS News on October 1st. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact voters’ perceptions of both candidates and potentially shift the momentum of the campaign.
