Associated Press
Tim Walz and JD Vance on Tuesday went after each other’s running mates in a vice presidential debate that opened with a discussion of burgeoning domestic and international troubles — a hurricane that ravaged much of the southeast U.S. and growing fears of a regional Middle East war.
Both Walz, the Democratic Governor of Minnesota, and Vance, a Republican Senator from Ohio, focused many of their largely cordial attack lines on the top of the ticket, as is traditional for VP debates. They each pointed to the crises of the day as reasons for voters to choose Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump.
The debate unfolded in the final weeks of a campaign that has been defined by harsh, personal attacks and historic convulsions, including a candidate dropping out and two attempted assassinations. Polls have shown Harris and Trump locked in a close contest as early voting begins across the country, giving added weight to anything that can sway voters on the margins, including the impression left by the vice presidential candidates.
The heated tone of the campaign was mostly replaced by deep policy discussions, with the candidates sometimes saying they agreed with each other — even as they outlined vastly different visions about the future of the country.
In one raw moment when Walz said his teenage son had witnessed a shooting at a community center, Vance expressed empathy.
“I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy,” Vance said.
“I appreciate that,” Walz said.
The former President, who sought the spotlight himself Tuesday by posting live commentary online during the debate, was a central focus as both Walz and Vance argued over whether Americans should return him to the Oval Office.
Walz depicted Trump as wrong on the issues and a chaotic leader. Vance rebuffed him with every answer and made the case for the man he once heavily criticized.
“What’s fundamental here is that steady leadership is going to matter,” said Walz, the Democratic Governor of Minnesota, said in response to a question about the situation unfolding in the Middle East. “And the world saw it on that debate stage a few weeks ago, a nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump talking about crowd sizes is not what we need in this moment.”
Vance, in his reply, argued that Trump is an intimidating figure whose presence on the international stage is its own deterrent.
“Gov. Walz can criticize Donald Trump’s tweets, but effective smart diplomacy and peace through strength is how you bring stability back to a very broken world,” he said.
A sharper turn on immigration
The debate in New York hosted by CBS News opened with a sober tone that reflected growing domestic and international concerns about safety and security. But it gave way to sharper attacks from both Walz and Vance — and a moment in which the moderators stopped the discussion by cutting the two men’s mics.
Walz accused Vance and Trump of villainizing legal immigrants in Vance’s home state. He pointed to the fact that Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had to send in extra law enforcement to provide security to the city’s schools after Vance tweeted about and Trump amplified false claims about Haitians eating pets.
“This is what happens when you don’t want to solve it, you demonize it,” Walz said, saying not doing so would allow people to “come together.”
Vance said the 15,000 Haitians in the city had caused housing, economic and other issues that the Biden-Harris administration was ignoring.
When the debate moderators pointed out that the Haitians living there had legal status, Vance protested that CBS News had said its moderators would not be fact-checking, leaving the onus to the candidates. As Vance continued and the moderators tried to move on, his microphone was cut and neither man could be heard.
A return to cordiality on the debate stage
The two Midwesterners struck a noticeably friendlier tone than the matchup between Trump and Harris — or, earlier this year, the showdown between Trump and President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race following a disastrous performance.
When they first turned to immigration and the influx of migrants coming over the U.S.-Mexico border, one of the most heated topics of the campaign, the two men credited each other with having good intentions.
“I believe Sen. Vance wants to solve this, but by standing with Donald Trump and not working together to find a solution, it becomes a talking point and when it becomes a talking point like this, we dehumanize and villainize other human beings,” Walz said.
Vance echoed the sentiment, saying, “I think you want to solve this problem, but I don’t think that Kamala Harris does.”
Walz catapulted onto Harris’ campaign by branding Trump and Republicans as “just weird,” creating an attack line for Democrats seeking to argue Republicans are disconnected from the American people. But for almost the entire debate, he never used the word.
Vance’s occasionally confrontational interviews and appearances have underscored why Trump picked him for the Republican ticket.
Vance in particular seemed to be attempting to soften his aggressive image, ratcheting down his typically forceful delivery, referring to Walz as “Tim” and a more supple approach, saying at one point, “I know a lot of Americans don’t agree with everything that I’ve ever said on this topic.”
His efforts to explain Trump’s policies and positions with a more gentle touch were also reminiscent of how former Vice President Mike Pence often operated when he and Trump were in the White House.
The two broke over Pence’s refusal to join his efforts to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Both men acknowledged past missteps
The role of a presidential running mate is typically to serve as an attack dog for the person at the top of the ticket, arguing against the opposing presidential candidate and their proxy on stage. Both Vance and Walz have embraced that role.
Vance was asked to address his past biting criticisms of the former President, including once suggesting Trump would be “America’s Hitler.”
“When you get something wrong and you change your mind, you ought to be honest with the American people,” he said Tuesday.
Walz, meanwhile, was pressed on his misleading claim, which was investigated this week by Minnesota Public Radio and other outlets, that he was in Hong Kong during the turbulence surrounding the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, part of a broader pattern of inaccuracies that Republicans hope to exploit.
Confronted with his misstatements about his travels to China years ago, Walz defended himself by saying, “I’ve not been perfect.” In fact, he said, “I’m a knucklehead at times.” Eventually, he acknowledged he misspoke about his history.
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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
39 comments
PeterH
October 1, 2024 at 11:23 pm
1. Immigrants have absolutely nothing to do with hustling drugs into the USA.
2. Trump and Republicans had absolutely nothing to do with rescuing saving Obamacare.
3. Trump inherited the longest period of economic expansion in American history from Obama…… and destroyed that growth.
4. Three months before the onset of COVID, the USA manufacturing slipped into recession.
5. Vance and Trump have a long long history of supporting a national abortion ban.
6. Trump, Republicans and Trump’s apologist JD Vance understand that before and after January 6th, Trump attempted a coup to remain in the White House.
A day without Peter Puffer
October 2, 2024 at 9:54 am
You are a lying sack of shit.
PeterH
October 2, 2024 at 3:39 pm
2016 “Having Pence on the ticket will moderate Trump’s behavior!”
Susan Collins after Trump’s first impeached: “….Trump has learned his lesson!”
MarvinM
October 2, 2024 at 4:18 pm
And the proof about #6 has just been released (in redacted form to protect witnesses). Trump’s candidate fingers are all over several tentacles of a plot to stay in power in which the J6 riot was one small part.
The Sage "E"
October 2, 2024 at 6:36 am
Good Morn ‘Ting Undecided Voters & Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
After seeing that clown Walz you are all going to follow the logic in your minds, do the right thing, and cast your Sage Vote for Donald Trump.
For thar I thank you, one & all.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
I, The Sage “E”, am aware that many of you “Reasonable Voters” have a spouse, or a mate, which will punish you for doing The Right Thing and voting Trump.
HERE’S YOUR PATH FORWARD:
1.) Dont go and “Vote Together” as your spouse or mate will try to sneek up behind you and comprimise your right to “The Sage Right To Vote For Who You Want To Vote For” by sliding quietly up beside you and “PEEPING OVER YOUR SHOULDER”.
2.) Make sure your “DOOK 4 BRAINS LEFTIST” spouse/mate drinks lots of coffee [if you cant get out of taking Him/Her with you] that way when its your turn he/she will be in the restroom taking a squeeze or whizzing … there’s your Sage Chance to cast your Sage Vote for Trump!!!
SEE IT CAN BE DONE!!!
IN CLOSING,
Never “Squeal Out Your Business” in regards to your Sage Trump Vote to your Spouse/Mate…NEVER!!!!
By following my Sage Advice you will “Live Happy Ever After”.
Thank you Undecided Voters & Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
The Sage “E”
yew oweme
October 2, 2024 at 7:38 pm
EARL, which one are you, bevis or butthead?
Ron Ogden
October 2, 2024 at 6:37 am
The consensus is Vance “won the debate.” If you read between the lines and listen to the tone of the comments, you will detect a growing sense among the liberal commentariat that Trump will win the election. You detect a sense of resignation among the thoughtful ones and a rising column of inflammatory resentment among the thoughtless, reactive ones. It’s to be expected, I guess.
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 7:53 am
The consensus is Walz ‘won the debate.’ But if you listen closely to the tone of the pundits, you’ll notice a growing sense among conservatives that authenticity really matters. The thoughtful ones are starting to accept it, while the more reactionary voices are doubling down in frustration. It’s almost like they’re upset someone didn’t stick to the usual script. Predictable, I suppose.
Bobblehead Kammy
October 2, 2024 at 8:39 am
Walz won the debate? TV must be hard wired to MSNBC OR CNN. 🤣
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 8:46 am
It’s about an even split if you look at Forbes, CNN, Poltico, and CBS. Waltz had a greater rise in polling after however, but Vance did get a bump. Will it sway things? Meh.
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 10:02 am
Go pet your unicorn.
Bobblehead Kammy
October 2, 2024 at 8:13 am
Vance definitely won the debate. He has had lots of practice from hostile activist phony journalists and did great last night. Walz has been in a bubble for most of this campaign season and it showed. Will it affect the outcome of the election? Who knows.
PeterH
October 2, 2024 at 3:42 pm
Vance successfully sanitized Trump ….. just like Pence sanitized Trump in 2016. Americans will not be fooled this time. Too much is at stake.
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 8:42 am
Waltz was like a wise and kind teacher, schooling an impish, and misinformed pup. Take a look at CNN’s fact check roll – Vance needs more of them apparently. At least he has civility his running mate does not.
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 9:57 am
Waltz is friends with school shooters. BLM and Antifa rioters too.
Skeptic
October 2, 2024 at 10:58 am
Vance was definitely the better snake oil salesman. It’s a tough job — you have to have lots of charisma to overcome the toxicity of the product. Fact is, we are all full up here — maybe he can have better luck in the next town.
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 11:03 am
The supporters rallying around the Trump/Vance ticket seem to be experiencing cognitive dissonance. Any opposing comments are met with childish and false responses. It’s unfortunate they resort to these tactics, but it won’t change the outcome—they still won’t win.
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Check out the comments of Rick and JD. You just described YOU PEOPLE. You will not keep the senate so go right ahead and elect Karambula.
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 1:14 pm
“go right ahead and elect Karambula”
Cognitive dissonance…
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 2:52 pm
You said Waltz won the debate and then later said it was a 50/50 split. It is clear you have zero credibility.
Noble Causes
October 2, 2024 at 4:47 pm
“It is clear you have zero credibility.”
More proof of cognitive dissonance…
yew oweme
October 2, 2024 at 7:35 pm
LIPTURD, you people and your low info mo is both annoying and boring. grow up. you owe me for schooling you.
Nobel Causes
October 2, 2024 at 11:18 am
“Vance has got the face, disposition and lack of morals to be a used Cybertruck salesman. You know, the Cybertruck – the incel Camino.”
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Another childish comment from a pathetic libturd. Do as I say, not as I do. You are so full of shit.
Bobblehead Kammy
October 2, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Put a skirt on No Balls Walz and give him some pom poms. That’s where he belongs on Pelosi’s cheerleading squad.
Nobel Causes
October 2, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Point is made…
A day without Libturds
October 2, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Yes. You proved you are full of shit.
Michael K
October 2, 2024 at 11:55 am
The civility of the debate was refreshing, due to the absence of an incoherent lunatic on the stage. But we also learned that a smooth talker can tell smooth lies – yet still not answer simple questions.
I was astonished to learn that Donald Trump saved the Affordable Care Act! I was flabbergasted to learn that Donald Trump participated in the peaceful transfer of power.
Walz was nervous at first and got off to a rough start. However, he did what a vice president is supposed to do: back the top of the ticket, and outline the Harris policies. And he did that effectively.
On style, Vance was very smooth and polished, but on substance, he did a lot of gaslighting, whtewashing the Trump presidency and delivering easily fact-checked lies about about policy.
At then end, a man running to be vice-president of the United States refused to answer one simple question: Did Donald Trump lose the 2020 election.
That tells you all you need to know about the honesty and integrity of JD Vance, and what would happen under a second Trump presidency.
JD showed his skill at being a chameleon, and was probably auditioning for 2028. But what we saw was nothing more than a calmer, less racist and chaotic version of Trumpism in the only effort of the campaign to appeal to independents and moderates.
PeterH
October 2, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Excellent summary!
A day without Michael K
October 2, 2024 at 12:12 pm
You just described biden, you pathetic reject.
Michael K
October 2, 2024 at 12:35 pm
One other thing I noticed:
Vance went off track on “censorship” stuff. This is payback to Peter Thiel for his $30 million investment in JD’s senate seat. The Silicon Valley right-wing Big Tech folk expect to buy someone who will let them do as they please, unfettered. Not unlike Trump’s promise to Big Oil to get whatever they want if they give him $1 billion.
Ocean Joe
October 2, 2024 at 3:06 pm
A debate can be pleasant and informative…so long as Trump isnt part of it. “There were very fine people on both sides.”
Both Vance and Walz were prepared, well spoken, and easily better qualified than the tops of their tickets to serve as president. Experts claim Vance won, I saw a draw with a few failures to answer the question by both. If Walz is friends with school shooters he may not have wanted to admit that, and Vance claiming Trump saved Obamacare is a bridge too far.
There must be a limit to what we can blame on the illegal immigrants but we havent reached it yet. If they would like to eat iguanas I have extras.
A day without Michael K
October 2, 2024 at 7:10 pm
I’ve never seen you use your powers of perception on your own. You ignore doing that and only zoom in on your opponents. That makes you a partisan hack propagandist. Zero credibility.
Cindy
October 2, 2024 at 9:11 pm
Besides all that censorship so they don’t attract the wrong ones.
Are the woke still arguing about giving them 5 or states in America. And is don trying to buy Iceland
Tom
October 3, 2024 at 9:05 am
Rhonda must have been disappointed watching his chances at running in 2028 slip through his fingers. Looks like Vance has become, if nothing else, the heir apparent to the maga crown.
Bobblehead Kammy
October 3, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Well if you are going to label every Repub candidate a MAGA, then what shall we call the Demo candidate? Well Kammy could be the latest “cognitive challenged” after Slo Joe.
Tom
October 3, 2024 at 1:40 pm
If you’re running as trump’s VP, you’re probably a maga I’d think. Nice whataboutism though.
yew oweme
October 4, 2024 at 6:33 pm
MAGA MARK, maga is a concept, not a candidate. dems could care less what you call them. name-calling is a maga or low info thing.
Michael K
October 3, 2024 at 5:21 pm
All it takes to assume that crown is a complete lack of moral values, a willingness to spew lies and revisionist history with a straight face, and possess a sole focus on personal ambition. The ability to shape-shift, demean non-white people and feed conspiracy theories is required.
Comments are closed.