When the 2024 U.S. Vice Presidential candidates faced off for the final debate of the 2024 White House election, the press was shocked that they were downright civil. The Washington Post reported, “The vice-presidential candidates maintained a measured and respectful tone throughout the evening…There were even moments of grace and generosity.” So do these two candidates share a love of SUVs, or plans to fight climate change? Do they agree? Not so much…

I’ve already reported on how Senator J.D. Vance proposed tax credits for SUVs and trucks. And I’ve gone into detail on Governor Tim Walz’s 1979 International Harvester Scout SUV. But there’s a key difference.

Vance proposed a bill that would delete the EV tax credit and replace it with a tax credit for vehicles union-made in the USA–and add more dollars for each additional seat or increased payload capacity. It’s the congressional equivalent of a love letter to all SUVs.

Walz, on the other hand, loves one SUV. In fact, his 1979 International Scout is his only vehicle (beside’s the Minnesota governor’s convoy). It’s part of the minimalist lifestyle–that includes no personal residence or investments–that has defined his public service career. St. Paul residents say you can see the governor driving the turquoise antique down to the dog park most days. His dog? A black lab also named Scout. After his car.

The two men seemingly stumbled onto more common ground when J.D. Vance addressed climate change. But things might not be so simple:

“Our Democratic friends talk a lot about carbon emissions, this idea that carbon emissions drives all the climate change… Well, if you believe that, what would you want to do? The answer is that you’d want to restore as much American manufacturing as possible, and you’d want to produce as much energy as possible in the United States of America because we’re the cleanest economy in the entire world.”

J.D. Vance, Vice Presidential Debate

These precise words might have even been chosen to poach Walz supporters. You see, Governor Walz has long sought out Federal climate change funding that to help out Minnesota’s industries–namely agriculture. He secured a $200 million grant earmarked to cut climate pollution from the state’s “food systems.” That translated into electric vehicles for farmers and food shipping, as well as ample money to convert to “climate-smart” farming practices and upgrade old farming equipment in the process. Here’s how he pitched it.

Minnesota has consistently been a leader in climate solutions…From clean energy to sustainable agriculture, our climate goals are ensuring a healthier, safer state. Today, we’re celebrating another significant milestone in this journey. With the EPA’s help, we are creating a food system that nourishes Minnesotans while reducing waste and climate pollution.

Governor Tim Walz

Same, same? Not so much. Once-upon-a-time (two years ago), J.D. Vance had a similar stance. He urged his Ohio constituents to consider green energy in the state, to create jobs and bring in Federal funding. But since he began his bid to become President Donald Trump’s running mate, he’s flipped the script and refuses to acknowledge climate change exists.

Walz, on the other hand, bases many policies on climate change. He passed the “Clean Cars Minnesota” emissions standards which are based on the strictest standards in the country–those passed by California.

While both candidates’ messages are tailored to appeal to moderates–and thus may sound similar–their overall records couldn’t be more different.