Takeaways from the US Vice-Presidential Debate
(Photos courtesy of Walz’s and Vance’s verified Instagram accounts, @timwalz and @jdvance)
Rachel Smith | News Editor
The country tuned in on Tuesday, Oct. 1st to watch the vice-presidential debate, which will be the last debate until election day in November. Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were featured for 90 minutes on the CBS News stage in New York, and were moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, who focused their attention on issues such as foreign policy, immigration, and housing. Considering the previously charged presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the VP debate was seen by many as a refreshing return to professional civility.
Democratic candidate Gov. Walz was noticeably not as comfortable on stage as Sen. Vance, however by the end it was clear that both were refined speakers and knowledgeable about their running mate’s policies. Numerous key points were discussed during the debate, so let’s break down some of the most influential highlights.
Conflict in the Middle East
When asked about a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran, Walz promised steady leadership under Harris stating, “[…]what’s fundamental here is that steady leadership is going to matter.” He claimed such leadership was accomplishable under Harris but not under 80-year-old Donald Trump, citing ties to Russia and North Korea as evidence for his lack of leadership.
Vance took a different approach to the question, introducing himself and his backstory to the American people before claiming that their administration would obtain peace through “establishing effective deterrence.” He also refuted claims against Trump by attacking the current Biden Administration and highlighting his opinion of their ineffectiveness with the Israel conflict.
Abortion
As one of the hot-button topics of the debate, viewers were surprised to see a common ground between the two candidates. The conversation started with Walz reminding the American people that the influential abortion case Roe v. Wade, was overturned during the Trump presidency. He doubled down on Harris’ campaign promise of restoring Roe into law to protect abortion as he claims, “This is basic human right.” He also brought up the controversial conservative Project 2025 as a shot at Trump’s potential pro-life policies.
During the presidential debate, candidate Harris stated, “Understand, in his Project 2025 there would be a national monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages.” Walz bringing up the document served as his way of reminding the American people of the dichotomy between the platforms on the issue of abortion.
In response, Vance gave a compelling answer claiming to support a good friend of his who had an abortion in light of an abusive relationship. He states that the Republican party “got to do so much better of a job at warning the American people’s trust back on this issue where they frankly just don’t trust us.” He claims that Trump’s platform is pro-life in the fullest sense of the word, and that the issue is best to be decided with the voters as America is an expansive and diverse country. He also denied any connection to Project 2025.
Both candidates expressed their remorse over the death of Amber Thurman, who developed sepsis after she was denied access to a legal abortion. A rare common ground between the two parties, but one defining factor that shows a rare act of bipartisanism.
Tension about the January 6th insurrection
While most of the debate was kept under a cordial tone, in a tense moment between the two candidates, Walz asked Vance if former President Trump lost the 2020 election. Vance said, “Tim, I’m focused on the future.” Before attacking Harris about censorship. In response, Walz shot back that Vance’s answer was “a damning non answer.”
Shows of bipartisanism
What made this debate special to many viewers across the country was the demonstrations of bipartisanism from both candidates. Walz stated about immigration that “I believe Senator Vance wants to solve this…” and concluded the event by saying, “Well, I’ve enjoyed tonight’s debate, and I think there was a lot of commonalities here.” To which Vance responded with “Me too, man.” Despite the palpable tension brought on by this election cycle, the candidates remained civil with each other, setting a good example for the American people.
While the VP debate will most likely not sway voters one way or the other, it is important to note both of the candidates’ policies and take it into account when going to the polls on November 5th.