As the 2024 general election grows closer, the policy positions of Vice-Presidential candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance highlight the deep ideological divides within American politics. The policy backgrounds of Walz, a progressive Democrat, and Vance, a populist conservative, represent extreme contrasts in domestic policy. Understanding their positions on key issues can offer insights into the potential priorities of the next administration's platform and initiatives.
Tim Walz
Much of the discussion on Walz’s policy track record centers around his progressive agenda as governor of Minnesota, including support for pro-labor union policies such as the state’s prohibition on non-compete agreements, an increased minimum wage, and expanded paid leave. He’s also been a vocal advocate for abortion rights, in vitro fertilization, and gender-affirming care.
Much of Walz’s record on trade policy in Congress aligns with his pro-union, worker-centric efforts as Governor. During his time in the House, he repeatedly voted against trade deals that he perceived as detrimental to the U.S. workforce. He also touts an extensive record on clean energy policy, including a Minnesota law that mandates 100 percent clean electricity by 2040, comprehensive energy permitting reform, support for electric vehicles, and banning PFAS.
Despite the heavy focus on his progressive record, Walz has been heralded as a pragmatist with a thorough understanding of issues that many consider to be blue-collar-facing. He openly supported policies that bolstered iron mining and steel production in Minnesota. Walz is undoubtedly credible on agriculture policy. As Minnesota’s governor, Walz oversaw the sixth largest agricultural-producing (and 4th largest agricultural exporting) state in the country. He also has broad experience crafting policy as a red district Democrat who served over a decade on the House Agriculture Committee. In that role, he helped pass the last 3 iterations of the Farm Bill and worked closely with current Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-PA). This background is interesting given the increasing likelihood that passage of the next Farm Bill won’t take place until 2025.
J.D. Vance
J.D. Vance’s relatively short career in the Senate (and politics in general) creates questions about Vance’s positions on a variety of policy areas. Since he was elected to the Senate at the beginning of the 118th Congress, Vance has introduced 57 pieces of legislation, the focus of much of which has been on elevating culture war issues like prohibiting DEI initiatives, defunding sanctuary cities, and making English the official language of the United States.
In the aftermath of the 2023 East Palestine train derailment in his home state of Ohio, Vance has sought to distinguish himself as a leader on rail safety with frequent public statements criticizing the response to the incident and introduction of legislation to study the associated impacts on public health in the area.
Vance’s populist stances often distance him from traditional conservative ideological positions. Like his running mate, Vance has opposed unchecked free trade in favor of protectionist policies. He also bucked his party in supporting new funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided a subsidy to low-income Americans for internet service.
While Walz does appear to have the advantage of a clear policy record and years of experience, it’s important to consider that Walz and Vance’s addition to their respective electoral tickets can be largely attributed to personality and perceived electoral advantages, and that their policy experience is more of a supplement to the existing and developing positions of Harris and Trump, rather than a standalone platform.
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