Local analyst talks Kaine, Cao race ahead of debate

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — WAVY-TV 10 will moderate a debate between Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Dr. Eric Claville, a political analyst at Norfolk State University, where the debate will be held, said Cao has an uphill battle if he plans on winning the election.

A Navy veteran who served his country for 25 years, Cao is looking to unseat Kaine, who has held the seat since he was first elected in 2012.

“It’s an opportunity for the candidates to really speak to the people, really talk about their campaign,” Claville said.

Virginians are well acquainted with Kaine, a former governor and lieutenant governor before that. Claville said that for Cao to win, he must overcome the hurdle of simply being the newcomer.

“And not just that, but really making a mark out there on the political stump speech,” Claville said. “A lot of individuals don’t really know who he is. A lot of individuals don’t feel like they know his stances, that he’s not as personable.”

Couple with that are a lack of substantial endorsements other than former President Donald Trump. Polls show Kaine in the lead by as much as 6% to 12%. Kaine also has widespread notoriety, especially after his run for vice president in 2016.

“[He’s] known to be a very safe senator, known to be very principled, but also known to be very friendly to all Virginians, even moderates and some Republicans really like him,” Claville said.

Claville said Cao has much to prove, and he only has this one upcoming debate to do it.

“The candidates, in this particular debate, will, I believe, have an opportunity, and must, if they plan to win this election, relate to the people of Virginia and ensure that their issue and their priorities are represented very well on Capitol Hill,” Claville said.

The debate will be televised on WAVY-TV 10 at 7 p.m. Oct. 2.

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