This year’s vice presidential debate has been generating a lot of buzz, and for good reason. The two candidates, Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to face off in what promises to be a heated and informative discussion. But as the big night approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that one of the candidates is already at a significant disadvantage.

According to recent polls, JD Vance is struggling to connect with voters. Despite his best efforts to raise his national profile, the Ohio senator remains a relative unknown outside of his home state. And when voters do learn more about him, they’re not necessarily impressed. In fact, many polls show that Vance is significantly less popular than his opponent, Tim Walz.

So what’s behind Vance’s lack of popularity? One possible explanation is his controversial background. Vance has been open about his difficult childhood and his experiences as a Marine, but he’s also been criticized for his more inflammatory statements and actions. For example, Vance has faced backlash for his comments on issues like immigration and social justice, which some have deemed insensitive or even hateful.

Additionally, Vance’s policy positions have been met with skepticism by many voters. Despite his efforts to present himself as a champion of the working class, Vance has been criticized for his support of policies that many see as beneficial to corporations and the wealthy. This has led some to question whether Vance is truly committed to serving the interests of ordinary Americans.

In contrast, Tim Walz has generally received more positive reviews from voters. The Minnesota governor has been praised for his folksy, down-to-earth demeanor, as well as his commitment to issues like healthcare and education. Walz has also been endorsed by a number of high-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the vice presidential debate is still a week away, and a lot can happen between now and then. It’s possible that Vance could use the debate as an opportunity to turn his campaign around and win over voters. But based on the current polls, it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to close the gap with Walz.

As the debate approaches, it will be interesting to see how Vance responds to the challenges he’s facing. Will he try to pivot and present a more moderate image, or will he double down on his previous statements and policies? Either way, the vice presidential debate is shaping up to be a must-watch event, and one that could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election.