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.”