United States | Running mate

Tim Walz is the most popular candidate on either ticket

How much difference does that make?

Diptych of Tim Walz and J.D. Vance talking at campaign rallies.
Photograph: Getty Images

Former president Donald Trump made an unusual foray into political science in July, arguing that “historically, the vice-president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact.” At the time, his running mate J.D. Vance was stumbling through a gaffe-filled rollout, having been drafted two weeks earlier. It seemed as if Mr Trump’s academic pronouncement was only intended to comfort himself—but it may have some merit. The vice-presidential debate did little to refute him (see Lexington).

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This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Blame the boss”

From the October 5th 2024 edition

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