New Book Claims Tim Walz Was Terrified to Face JD Vance in 2024 Vice Presidential Debate |

The Debate That Shook the Campaign: Tim Walz’s Performance Under Scrutiny

In the latest literary effort by journalists keen to distance themselves from accusations of complicity in downplaying President Biden’s visible decline, a new book posits that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was fraught with anxiety over facing then-Ohio Senator JD Vance in a vice presidential debate last autumn.

For those who tuned in, the debate was a pivotal moment in the election cycle. Walz appeared ill-equipped to tackle tough questions regarding his past policies and governance, resembling a deer caught in headlights.

Contrastingly, JD Vance exuded poise and confidence. His ability to engage with questions assuredly quashed any lingering doubts about his candidacy long before the debate concluded.

Twitchy reports:

The Minnesota Governor has recently become a darling of the Democratic Party, traversing the nation to engage in what are ostensibly ‘town hall meetings’—but are in reality fundraisers masquerading as public forums. At these events, he waxes lyrical about ‘freedom,’ despite his previous public assertion of skepticism towards the First Amendment.

Yet, the real narrative revisionism surrounding Walz’s ‘town halls’ seeks to repackage him as a serious contender in national politics, conveniently overlooking his lackluster debate performance against Vice President JD Vance just months prior. It seems the public hasn’t quite forgotten that debacle, despite the attempts to sweep it under the rug.

No, we haven’t forgotten, ‘knucklehead.’

Insights from the New Book

In a new exposé, ‘FIGHT,’ journalists Jonathan Allen (NBC) and Arnie Parnas (The Hill) delve into Walz’s preparation for the debate, and the insights they provide align perfectly with the lack of preparedness he demonstrated on stage.

During the 2024 campaign, @Tim_Walz was so anxious for his debate with @JDVance that he couldn’t sleep and aides had to remind him to eat.

The debate “terrified him,” Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes write in their book “FIGHT.” pic.twitter.com/qfr1YVHX1H

— Reagan Reese (@reaganreese_) April 27, 2025

This was the moment Tim Walz realized he was the deer and JD was the F150 pic.twitter.com/7DoofC8G3v

— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) October 2, 2024

What gave it away? https://t.co/j0r74jGUBx pic.twitter.com/u7Qusgc48A

— IAmSilky (@IAmVerySilky) April 27, 2025

A Lasting Impression

Walz’s performance during that fateful debate will likely be dissected for years to come, serving as a classic example of how not to conduct oneself in a high-stakes political forum.