Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz stood in stark contrast to the earlier presidential debates, marked by a civil and policy-focused discussion of key issues facing American voters. The 90-minute event, hosted by CBS News in New York, saw the candidates spend more time critiquing each other’s running mates than engaging in personal attacks.
While Walz initially appeared hesitant, he gained momentum when addressing abortion rights and the January 6th Capitol riot. However, Vance, a skilled orator, benefited from the calm and policy-oriented nature of the debate. Vance presented a more moderate image of Trump’s conservative populism, emphasizing economic achievements during Trump’s presidency. He stated, “Donald Trump was president. Inflation was low. Take-home pay was higher.”
Despite the overall civility, moments of tension arose. Vance challenged the moderators’ fact-checking, leading to a brief microphone muting. Yet, instances of agreement between the candidates were also notable. “There’s a lot of commonality here,” Walz remarked towards the debate’s conclusion. A poignant moment occurred when Walz shared a personal story about his son witnessing a shooting, eliciting a genuine expression of sympathy from Vance.
Key Clashes and 2020 Election Denial
The debate’s most heated exchanges centered on Trump’s false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Vance evaded a direct question about Trump’s loss, instead criticizing Kamala Harris. Walz labeled this a “damning non-answer,” emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the events of January 6th and its impact on American democracy. He highlighted Mike Pence’s absence from the debate, attributing it to Pence’s certification of Biden’s victory, a point Vance left unaddressed.
This exchange underscored Vance’s unwavering allegiance to Trump’s position, despite his otherwise agreeable demeanor. The candidates’ differing styles were evident. Vance, accustomed to televised debates, delivered polished, on-message responses, frequently reminding viewers of the Democrats’ time in the White House. Walz, more comfortable on the campaign trail, initially struggled with foreign policy questions but found his footing as the debate progressed.
Immigration, Abortion, and Gun Control
Immigration, a traditionally Republican stronghold, saw Vance deflecting accusations of amplifying false narratives about Haitian immigrants. He shifted focus to the impact of undocumented immigration on American citizens, citing strained resources and depressed wages. Walz criticized Trump’s opposition to bipartisan immigration reform, accusing Republicans of dehumanizing immigrants for political gain.
On abortion, a Democratic strength, Vance acknowledged the need for Republicans to build trust with voters. He advocated for pro-family policies that support mothers and expand options for women. Walz countered with a straightforward message: “We are pro-women. We are pro-freedom to make your own choice.”
Gun control, a contentious issue, saw a more measured approach from Walz. While Vance emphasized school security, Walz focused on background checks, avoiding more aggressive Democratic proposals for assault weapon bans. This restraint may disappoint some Democrats given Walz’s past pro-gun voting record.
Debate Impact and Future Implications
Historically, vice presidential debates have limited impact on election outcomes. However, this debate, potentially the last before election day, offered both parties a final opportunity to present their case. Walz held his own, showcasing the Midwestern appeal that made him Harris’s running mate. Vance’s strong performance likely energized Republicans, demonstrating his ability to articulate conservative priorities on a national platform. This debate may solidify Vance’s position as a rising star within the Republican party. It remains to be seen whether this debate will significantly influence the November election.
