Tim Walz and J.D Vance Take the Stage in Vice Presidential Debate
In what was the first and maybe only vice presidential debate of this election season, Governor Tim Walz and Senator J.D Vance took to the stage for the vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News on Tuesday, October 1.
Approximately 43.15 million Americans tuned in to watch the debate hosted by CBS News. Topics of immigration, tensions in the Middle East, abortion, and more were covered during the debate. Some viewers criticized what issues and questions were selected by the moderators, or lack thereof in some cases. The war between Russia and Ukraine was not brought up, and neither was Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis during his presidency.
After watching the debate, many Americans said that the civility and respect that both candidates had during the debate was a refreshing change of pace from the political debates of recent years. At one point in the debate when talking about gun control, Walz said that his own son had witnessed a shooting firsthand. “I’ve got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball,” Walz said.
Vance sympathized with Walz, addressing him directly and offering his condolences. “Tim, first of all, I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting, and I’m sorry about that and I hope he’s doing OK,” he said. “Christ have mercy, it is awful.”
While many Americans were refreshed by the civility of the debate, others were equally irked by it. “I think that the civility we saw tonight may be a mistake by Democrats,” Said Ed Gordon on CBS News after the debate, saying that Walz may have made an error in his approach during some parts of the debate.
When asked by Walz if he thought that Donald Trump lost the election in 2020, Vance responded by saying, “Tim, I’m focused on the future,” to which Walz responded, “That is a damning non-answer.” This exchange has reignited discussion on the events of January 6, 2020, and threats to democracy.
“America,” Walz said, “I think you’ve got a really clear choice on this election of who’s going to honor that democracy and who’s going to honor Donald Trump.” Vance ended the debate by saying, “Whether you vote for me, or [you] vote for Tim Walz, I’m so proud to be doing this,”
