A Message to Walz about the Upcoming Tuesday Debate

I get the challenges that Walz has in the upcoming debate with Vance. There was an insightful piece about those high stakes challenges in the NYTimes today. Debate isn’t Walz’ thing; and, he’s apparently nervous. It makes me nervous that he’s nervous.

I have debate (and debate prep) thoughts (not that anyone asked me for my advice). My thinking is about adding twinkling light per the above image. So, were I asked, here’s what I’d say to Walz:

1. Be in the role of an assistant coach (which you were). That means knowing the game plan and being its advocate. Try to make your players (here the audience) the best they can be.
2. Don’t play Vance’s game of nastiness, lies and misstatement. No mean retorts. Vance is also a sycophant. Let him self-destruct. Ok, joke about cats and car seats. And if he mentions changing policy views, mention Vance’s own change of heart about Trump.
3. Be kind. Be earthy. Be a parent. Be the guy you are. Easier said than done. But be a teacher …. Consider Vance a misbehaving student. Don’t look down at him (easy to do). Point out to him how he can and should do better.

Now, were it me, I might come to the debate with some props and the point would be to add levity at some level and deep concern at another — simultaneously. I might bring a child car seat — a reference to Vance suggesting that these car seats explain the declining birth rate. I’d just put it next to me.

I would not bring a cat — real or stuffed. That meme is well worn. I would not bring a weapon — real or fake to show you (Walz) are gun toting.

But I might suggest bringing something from your coaching days — a whistle, a clip board. There are two reasons: first, these items serve as a direct reminder of your true identity, and they can message to others that you are a coach and a teacher — noble professions that are on the ground real.

Were it me, and I’m not suggesting that Walz do this, I wouldn’t dress the part. People expect someone to dress the part — dark suit and blue tie. I might think about clothing differently. A sports jacket for example — more casual and a play on the term sports. It could have leather elbow patches to message academics.

Just saying: Walz can waltz if he is just who he is. No roleplaying needed. Be relaxed enough to be you. Easier said than done. But you can be assured of this: We don’t actually know who Vance is or was but whomever he is, he isn’t a role model for our nation. For youth, he is a horrible role model, spewing venom, telling his son to shut up and demeaning others. He’s an embarrassment. You aren’t.

Post Script: If you want to be snarky about this post, at least spell Walz’ name correctly. It is disrespectful to rename him Waltz.

Then, if you want to see reality and quality role modeling outside politics, look at how the school janitor from Indiana — who won AGT — dealt with the kids at his elementary school after his win. And, at least in the short term, he is keeping that job. And, he told kids in essence: See? Follow dreams. Anything is possible. Bravo. Politicians: there are lessons here. And candidate Walz: being genuine and decent isn’t hard if one is genuinely nice.