In a lively debate on Tuesday, U.S. vice presidential candidates J.D. Vance and Tim Walz squared off on key issues, including migration, abortion, and foreign policy. Despite the intense topics, the debate remained mostly civil, with both candidates defending their respective presidential running mates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Republican Vance and Democrat Walz avoided the personal attacks seen in previous debates between Trump and Harris, instead focusing on policy. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, took aim at Trump, accusing him of being a “threat to democracy” and unfit to lead the country on the global stage. On the other hand, Vance criticized Harris for her role in President Joe Biden’s administration, particularly on economic issues and handling illegal migration.
One of the most notable moments came when Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, was asked if he supported Trump’s false claims about winning the 2020 election. Vance declined to directly answer, leading Walz to call it a “damning non-answer.” Walz also pointed to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, accusing Trump of inciting violence and questioning Vance’s support for him.
Migration emerged as a contentious topic, with Vance accusing the Biden administration of mishandling the issue. At one point, Vance’s microphone was briefly muted by the moderators during a fact-check on his statements about migration. Walz responded by criticizing Vance and Trump for spreading false stories about migrants, saying their rhetoric “dehumanizes and villainizes other human beings.”
The debate also highlighted deep divisions over abortion. Vance accused the Democratic Party of holding a “very radical pro-abortion stance” and supporting what he called “barbaric” laws. Walz defended his position by stating that he is “pro-women,” standing up for women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
Despite their disagreements, Vance and Walz occasionally found common ground during the debate. Both candidates, hailing from the U.S. Midwest, emphasized their blue-collar roots and military service. They shook hands at the start and end of the debate, and several times acknowledged points of agreement, offering a stark contrast to the often fiery exchanges between Trump and Harris.
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On foreign policy, the candidates sparred over Trump’s record, particularly in the Middle East. Walz criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin and withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Vance defended Trump, claiming that the former president “delivered stability in the world,” countering Walz’s accusations.
The debate gained further attention as Trump praised Vance for his performance, posting on his TruthSocial platform, “GREAT JOB JD — We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Vance has often been viewed as a close ally of Trump, echoing his policies and rhetoric during the campaign.
Though vice-presidential debates typically do not have a significant impact on the election outcome, this debate may hold more weight than usual. With Harris taking a more active role in the Biden campaign and concerns about Biden’s age, the spotlight on the vice-presidential candidates has intensified.
Both Vance and Walz represent crucial swing states that could play a decisive role in the upcoming election. Vance, known for his controversial statements and his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which highlighted the struggles of working-class Americans, has positioned himself as a staunch defender of Trump’s policies. Walz, a former teacher and football coach, has gained popularity among Democrats for his progressive views and sharp criticism of Trump and Vance.