Tim Walz and J.D. Vance Found the Perfect Stand-Ins to Play Their Opponents During VP Debate Prep

Mar. 15, 2025

Tim Walz, J.D. Vance.Photo:Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Sources familiar tell PEOPLE that, in order to practice their debate responses and brace for potential attacks on stage, the VP candidates enlisted high-profile stand-ins to play their opponents. Transportation SecretaryPete Buttigieghas been standing in as Vance during Walz’s debate prep, and Minnesota Rep.Tom Emmerhas been playing Walz in Vance’s rehearsals.

Buttigieg previously played the part ofMike PencewhileKamala Harriswas preparing for her VP debate in 2020.

Over in Vance’s rehearsals, the role of Minnesota Gov. Walz was given to Emmer. As the House majority whip — a role that requires persuading House Republicans to vote on party lines — Emmer, 63, is a professional messenger for the GOP platform.

Walz, 60, has made his Midwest roots a significant part of his political identity, and Emmer’s familiarity with the state and its politics could help him predict Walz’s approach. Like with Buttigieg and Vance, Emmer and Walz are close in age and bear some physical similarities, which helps with the illusion.

Tom Emmer, Pete Buttigieg.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Alex Wong/Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Alex Wong/Getty

Before becoming PresidentJoe Biden’s transportation secretary, Buttigieg joined the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries in an effort to defeat Donald Trump. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a Navy veteran. He is also a Harvard alum and a former Rhodes Scholar.

As the third-most powerful Republican in the House, Emmer seemed to be an obvious choice for the position after previous nominees Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan also failed to secure the necessary votes to win. The speakership eventually went to little-known Louisiana Rep.Mike Johnson.

source: people.com