Vance vs Walz: Who Really Won the Vice Presidential Debate?

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Tuesday night’s Vice Presidential debate between Republican Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz showcased the sharp contrasts in their leadership styles and policy priorities. Hosted by CBS in New York City, the debate focused on key issues such as immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and abortion. Both Vance and Walz made strong appeals to their voter bases, but did any candidate emerge as the clear winner?

Foreign Policy and Immigration Dominated the Vice Presidential Debate

The Vice Presidential debate quickly turned to foreign policy, where Vance praised Donald Trump’s leadership, particularly in maintaining global stability through deterrence strategies. He claimed that under Trump, America was safer and more predictable. Vance blamed Kamala Harris for what he termed a “crisis” at the southern border, calling for mass deportations and stricter immigration controls.

Walz, on the other hand, argued that Trump’s foreign policy had isolated the U.S. from key allies, particularly in the Middle East. He pushed for rebuilding international alliances and bipartisan immigration reform, criticizing Trump for politicizing the immigration issue rather than solving it.

The Abortion Debate Exposed Key Differences

Abortion became a key battleground in the Vice Presidential debate. Walz took a firm stance on protecting reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of upholding Roe v. Wade and attacking Trump’s role in its overturning. He argued that Trump’s actions have rolled back women’s rights in America, and Walz pledged to continue fighting for women’s healthcare.

Vance, while reaffirming his pro-life stance, notably avoided endorsing a national abortion ban. His more tempered tone on the issue might reflect a shift to appeal to moderate voters. The GOP candidate’s  previous statements had been more strongly opposed to abortion, but during the Vice Presidential debate, he softened his stance.

Debate Highlights: Vance vs. Walz

When pressed about his stance on immigration, Vance sharply criticized Kamala Harris for her handling of the border crisis. “We have to stop the bleeding,” Vance said, blaming the current administration for undoing Trump’s successes. Walz responded by calling for bipartisan reform, but Vance’s bold statement stuck with many viewers, earning him points for a no-nonsense approach. The Ohio senator also shone when the debate turned to foreign policy, highlighting Trump’s “stability” in international relations. He pointed out that under Trump, America was more secure. Walz tried to paint Trump as unreliable, but Vance’s defense of Trump’s deterrence strategies was one of his strongest moments, showing his commitment to continuing Trump’s foreign policy legacy.

Meanwhile, Walz didn’t hold back when Vance dodged a direct question about Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. Walz called it a “damning non-answer,” reminding viewers of Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. This moment resonated with those concerned about democracy, positioning Walz as a defender of democratic principles while putting Vance on the defensive. In addition, the Minnesota Governor delivered a powerful blow when discussing abortion, holding Trump accountable for the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. He reminded viewers of Trump’s pivotal role in dismantling reproductive rights. Vance, who softened his stance on a national abortion ban, struggled to counter Walz’s passionate defense of women’s healthcare.

Who Won the Vice Presidential Debate Surveys?

According to a USA Today survey, 50,000 viewers declared Vance the winner of the Vice Presidential debate, while 40,000 believed Walz performed better. Despite the slight edge for Vance, a substantial 60,000 respondents felt the debate did not sway their opinions, showing that many voters had already made up their minds before the debate. Another 25,000 respondents indicated that the debate influenced their view of the candidates.

CBS also conducted an immediate poll after the Vice Presidential debate, revealing a narrow contest: 42% of viewers felt Vance performed better, while 41% favored Walz. This slim margin reflects the broader political divide among the electorate, with both candidates finding success in appealing to their core supporters.

Mixed Media Reactions

Reactions from the media were split, much like the polls. Conservative outlets praised Vance’s defense of Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration and foreign policy. They highlighted his criticism of Kamala Harris and the Biden administration as a strength. Meanwhile, liberal commentators applauded Walz’s focus on defending democracy and reproductive rights. His critique of Trump’s role in the January 6th insurrection resonated strongly with progressive viewers who oppose Trump’s involvement in undermining democratic processes.

The Vice Presidential debate has set the stage for a tightly contested election. While neither Vance nor Walz emerged as a clear winner, both candidates succeeded in energizing their bases. The debate touched on core issues that are likely to dominate the remainder of the campaign season. Voters are still divided, and both candidates have work to do in convincing the undecided electorate.

What did you think of the Vice Presidential debate? Who do you think won? Will this shift the momentum in this closely watched race?

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