Vice President Kamala Harris announced her choice for running mate in the upcoming presidential election on Tuesday – opting for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
As things stand, November will see former President Donald Trump and his pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance, go head-to-head with Harris and Walz.
Newsweek asked the generative AI ChatGPT tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the two would-be vice presidents.
The prompt we used read: “Kamala Harris has chosen Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, and Donald Trump has picked JD Vance. How do Walz and Vance compare as running mates? In your answer provide a detailed comparison and consider the advantages and disadvantages of both men.
“For example, what policy positions could cause issues for their respective tickets? How might they help balance or boost their party tickets? What are their positions on important voter issues like the economy and immigration. Talk about their appeal to voters and their background.”
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How Does ChatGPT Compare Vance and Walz?
ChatGPT analyzed the two candidates on their background and political experience, policy positions, appeal to voters, and potential advantages and disadvantages.
The AI tool laid out each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, which Newsweek has listed below:
Background and Political Experience
Tim Walz:
- Current Role: Governor of Minnesota since 2019.
- Previous Experience: U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 1st congressional district (2007-2019), high school teacher, and coach.
- Political Affiliation: Democrat.
- Reputation: Known for his bipartisan approach and focus on education, veterans’ issues, and agricultural policies. He has a background in the National Guard, which adds to his appeal among military families and veterans.
JD Vance:
- Current Role: U.S. Senator from Ohio since 2023.
- Previous Experience: Author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” venture capitalist, and lawyer.
- Political Affiliation: Republican.
- Reputation: Gained national attention through his memoir, which discusses his upbringing in a working-class family. Known for his commentary on the struggles of the white working class and his shift from criticizing Trump to becoming an ally.
Policy Positions and Potential Issues
Economy:
- Walz: Advocates for progressive economic policies, including raising the minimum wage, supporting labor unions, and investing in renewable energy to create jobs. He focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
- Vance: Emphasizes deregulation, tax cuts, and promoting free market policies. He has voiced concerns about economic inequality and the impact of globalization on American workers but aligns with traditional conservative economic principles.
Immigration:
- Walz: Supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, DACA protections, and humane border policies.
- Vance: Takes a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for stricter border controls, opposing amnesty for undocumented immigrants, and focusing on reducing illegal immigration.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Tim Walz:
Advantages:
- Appeal to Swing Voters: His bipartisan approach and moderate policies could attract centrist and independent voters.
- Midwestern Appeal: As a governor from the Midwest, he could help secure votes in a key battleground region.
- Veteran Status: His military background may resonate with veterans and military families.
Disadvantages:
- Progressive Criticism: His moderate stance might not fully energize the progressive base of the Democratic Party.
- State-Level Controversies: Any controversies or criticisms from his tenure as governor could be used against him.
JD Vance:
Advantages:
- Working-Class Appeal: His personal story and focus on the struggles of the working class could attract blue-collar voters.
- Media Presence: His national recognition from “Hillbilly Elegy” and subsequent media appearances give him a strong platform.
- Alignment with Trump: His support for Trump’s policies and rhetoric could solidify the Republican base.
Disadvantages:
- Policy Shifts: His past criticism of Trump may be used against him, questioning his consistency and loyalty.
- Hardline Views: His strict immigration stance and other conservative policies might alienate moderate and independent voters.
Appeal to Voters
Tim Walz:
- Moderate Democrats and Independents: His centrist policies and focus on bipartisan solutions could attract a broad spectrum of voters.
- Military and Veterans: His service in the National Guard and focus on veterans’ issues enhance his appeal to this demographic.
- Midwestern Voters: Being a governor from a Midwestern state, he understands the region’s unique challenges and priorities.
JD Vance:
- Working-Class Whites: His personal narrative and focus on the issues facing the white working class resonate strongly with this group.
- Conservative Base: His alignment with Trump’s policies and rhetoric appeals to the core Republican base.
- Younger Conservatives: As a relatively young politician with a compelling personal story, he could attract younger conservative voters.
It concluded with: “Tim Walz and JD Vance bring different strengths and potential challenges to their respective tickets. Walz offers a moderate, bipartisan appeal that could attract swing voters and independents, while Vance’s personal story and alignment with Trump strengthen his connection to the working class and conservative base.
“Their differing policy positions on key issues like the economy and immigration reflect the broader ideological divides between the Democratic and Republican parties, and their success will depend on their ability to address the concerns and priorities of the American electorate in the 2024 presidential election.”
Newsweek has reached out to Vance for comment, and to the Harris campaign for comment on Walz.
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