As Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) prepares to debate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) in their Oct. 1 vice presidential bout, Vance will privately debate a Walz stand-in. Advisers will analyze that exchange and give feedback about what to say, how to say it, and what to avoid like the pandemic.

Those advisers who look to the history of vice presidential debates will likely warn Vance not to freeze up as former Republican Sen. Dan Quayle of Indiana did in his infamous “deer in the headlights” moment during his 1988 debate against his Democratic rival, the late Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, after Bentsen informed him, “You’re no Jack Kennedy.” They might tell Vance to avoid too many nervous gestures, such as drinking too much water, as then-Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin did in his 2012 debate as the GOP vice presidential nominee against then-Vice President Joe Biden.