By Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
Tuesday night’s vice-presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz stood out for its civility and focus on policy, a sharp contrast to the heated exchanges in the earlier presidential debates this year. Held in New York on a CBS News stage, the event offered voters a glimpse into the candidates' views on key issues ahead of the November 5 election.
Both candidates directed much of their energy toward critiquing their opponents' running mates rather than each other. Walz, initially shaky, found his footing when discussing topics like abortion and the Capitol riot. Yet the measured tone of the debate seemed to favor Vance, who appeared polished and steady throughout.
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| Vance and Walz engage in a civil, policy-focused debate, showcasing contrasting styles as they address key issues ahead of the November election. |
Vance’s Calm Confidence
JD Vance, known for his strong oratory skills, used the debate to present a softer version of the conservative populism championed by Donald Trump. While Vance refrained from bombastic attacks, he deftly defended his ticket's stance. “Something these guys do is they make a lot of claims about if Donald Trump becomes president, all of these terrible consequences are going to ensue,” Vance said. “But in reality, Donald Trump was president. Inflation was low. Take-home pay was higher."
Despite occasional frustration over fact-checking from the CBS moderators, Vance largely maintained composure. The debate, while not heavy on dramatic confrontations, saw moments of agreement between the candidates, with both acknowledging shared views on certain issues.
Walz’s Heartfelt Moments
Tim Walz, who appeared less comfortable in the early stages, particularly on foreign policy, found his stride on topics like immigration and abortion. While discussing his son’s experience witnessing a shooting, Walz appeared emotionally vulnerable, and Vance responded with genuine concern. "I'm sorry about that, and I hope he's doing OK,” Vance said. “Christ have mercy, it is awful."
Walz also strongly condemned Vance’s refusal to clearly state whether Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. "To deny what happened on January 6, the first time an American president or anyone tried to overturn an election, this has got to stop," Walz said, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic integrity.
A Tale of Two Styles
Vance’s smooth and consistent performance contrasted with Walz’s more homespun, sometimes halting style. While Vance was unwavering in his messaging, Walz struggled at times, especially on foreign policy matters. However, Walz’s performance improved as the debate progressed, particularly during discussions on immigration and abortion.
In contrast, Vance displayed a polished demeanor, repeatedly bringing attention to the Biden administration’s shortcomings. On abortion, while on the defensive, Vance acknowledged the need for Republicans to do more to earn voters' trust. Walz, meanwhile, clearly articulated the Democratic stance: "We are pro-women. We are pro-freedom to make your own choice."
Impact on the Race?
While vice-presidential debates traditionally don’t sway election outcomes, Vance’s performance could energize Republicans, showcasing his potential future in national conservative politics. Walz did no harm to the Democratic ticket, offering a steady, if unremarkable, defense of his party's platform.
In the end, the debate’s lasting impression may rest on Vance’s ability to advocate for conservative values with a calm, confident demeanor. Whether it will affect the final outcome remains uncertain, but the Ohio senator’s performance likely bolstered his standing within the Republican Party.
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