NEW YORK – Donald Trump Jr. shared his advice for his father’s running mate on what he should focus on during the next 33 days following Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate.

“Just keep it up,” Trump Jr. remarked to YSL News when asked about his friend, JD Vance.

Both Vance and his opponent, Tim Walz, have navigated a significant challenge this week. Vance emerged from the debate unscathed, whereas Walz faced obstacles. This debate is expected to be the last major face-off as former President Donald Trump has declined to debate Vice President Kamala Harris again.

It’s rare for vice-presidential candidates to significantly influence voters or the election outcome. Nonetheless, each has critical roles in the final phase of the campaign: to argue why Trump and Harris should be president while avoiding major missteps.

As former Missouri Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill aptly advised reporters in New York, “Just act normal.”

Vance Back on Campaign Trail with Momentum

Vance entered the debate with some challenges ahead of him.

His popularity was struggling after some of his remarks gained notoriety, including comments about “childless cat ladies” and suggesting that women who attend Ivy League schools and prioritize careers might be “destined for unhappiness.” A recent YSL News/Suffolk University poll showed only 36% of voters viewed Vance positively, while Walz had a 48% approval rating.

Nevertheless, Republicans recognized Vance’s aggressive stance as he took on Harris and confronted rivals directly.

Since his selection in mid-July, Vance’s media engagement outpaced both Trump and Harris, with 127 interviews conducted by Wednesday (not counting spontaneous conversations with the press), according to the Trump-Vance campaign. He also actively participates in news conferences during his rallies, fielding questions from reporters in front of cheering supporters. Although this wasn’t formal debate prep, it helped him maintain focus and sharpness against Walz on Tuesday.

“The vice presidency means being ready to step up at any moment,” remarked Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who had been considered as a VP candidate, before the debate. “The voters will see that JD Vance is fully prepared for that role if necessary.”

Vance’s supporters believe he successfully conveyed a more composed and moderate image intended to win over undecided voters.

The Trump campaign is now more optimistic about sending Vance to crucial battleground states, with him returning to Michigan just a day after the debate. In Auburn Hills, he addressed a debate moment that was quickly turned into a campaign ad for Harris: his refusal to accept that Trump lost the 2020 election.

Vance remarked that journalists should focus on the present, as reported by the Detroit News, while assuring his supporters about the integrity of the upcoming election.

“I firmly believe that the 2024 election will be the most secure we’ve ever seen, thanks to the efforts of the Republican National Committee to ensure election integrity,” Vance said. “I urge everyone to get out and vote.”

Looking ahead, Trump adviser Jason Miller mentioned plans to broaden Vance’s campaign visits, including trips to traditionally blue states like Virginia, where Republicans see potential for growth despite recent losses. Miller humorously noted that even Minnesota might be a target following Walz’s wobbly debate performance.

“JD Vance has a unique background that allows him to really connect with people,” Miller stated. “When asking voters for their trust, sharing your relatable experiences goes a long way.”

While stressing how crucial a leader’s communication is, Walz himself faces scrutiny over his own statements, as doubts linger about some of his past claims. During the debate, he had difficulty justifying his previous statements regarding his time in China.

Discussions about Gov. Tim Walz’s presence in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests arose after media reporting revealed inconsistencies in his account. When asked to clarify these inconsistencies in a debate, Walz struggled to provide a clear response and even referred to himself as a “knucklehead.”

Continuing Travel and Renewed Media Engagement

In the past two months of campaigning, Walz has visited key swing states and strongholds of both the Democratic and Republican parties. A recent memo from the Harris campaign indicates he will maintain this travel pace in the lead-up to Election Day.

Walz has focused heavily on fundraising while leveraging his appeal to working-class voters across rural and urban areas. This has involved holding rallies, visiting small businesses, and connecting with teachers, union members, veterans, and young voters.

As governor, Walz has fostered strong relationships with local journalists, being known for his willingness to engage in discussions through informal remarks, press conferences, and personal interviews. However, after weeks of avoiding the press and missing media opportunities, Walz is now pursuing what his campaign calls an “aggressive post-debate travel and media blitz.”

Democrats maintain that Walz’s shaky performance during the debate should not be attributed to a lack of media exposure regarding Harris’ policies.

Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, defended Walz’s approach to campaigning, emphasizing that being physically present with voters is more impactful than merely participating in interviews. “Right now, the people want you to show up. Sitting down for an interview from a safe location isn’t the same as engaging directly with the public,” Crockett stated in an interview with YSL News on Tuesday night.

The Harris campaign memo outlines Walz’s itinerary, which includes national efforts to boost voter participation alongside scheduled interviews and his first late-night TV appearance, plus recordings for various media outlets, including an unnamed podcast.

In the immediate future, Walz plans to travel to critical battleground states like Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona before participating in fundraising events on the West Coast. While speaking to reporters in Harrisburg, Pa., on Wednesday, he attempted to clarify his earlier comments about China and acknowledged the need for more careful communication as he assumes a prominent role in the campaign.

“These teachers recognize me,” Walz mentioned, as reported by media present at the event. “I speak in a way that many can relate to.”