The debate will serve as an opportunity for both candidates to go on the attack. While abortion will almost certainly be mentioned, here are some other issues we’ll be watching for tonight:
ObamaCare
- One of the issues getting the most attention ahead of debate is one that Republicans have largely sought to avoid in recent years.
-
Trump and Vance have been vague on their plans for the law, giving Democrats an opening.
Vance has floated the idea of going back to the pre-Affordable Care Act days of “high-risk pools,” where sick people were separated into different, more expensive insurance coverage.
It’s a position that was a hallmark of GOP proposals to replace ObamaCare during Donald Trump’s presidency, and while the idea sounds wonky, it’s a fight Democrats want to have. Walz will likely try to hammer Vance on the subject.
Subsidies that help about 20 million people afford insurance are also set to expire next year, and whether they get renewed will depend on the outcome in November.
Health costs
- Harris and Walz are campaigning on expanding efforts the Biden administration has already undertaken and touting its successes.
-
This includes capping the cost of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 and saving money from the new Medicare negotiated drug prices.
Both Harris and Trump talk about high drug prices, which Walz and Vance will likely try to highlight. Both candidates largely agree the government should rein in drug companies.
Trump has falsely said Harris and Biden are taking credit for his work on insulin pricing and that he was responsible for the $35 cap. Vance has amplified that claim.
IVF
- The Walz family has been open about their struggles with infertility since the IVF debacle in Alabama earlier this year.
-
The issue seemed like a slam dunk for Walz. But then Gwen Walz clarified in August that they had opted for a less intensive procedure that isn’t specifically threatened by abortion bans.
Walz’s clarification came after campaign materials and prior remarks that implied the couple had used IVF to have children.
Vance and Republicans have accused the Democratic candidate of lying.
