Vance Confident, Walz Uneven in VP Debate Heavy on Policy

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio concluded their first and only debate the way it began–with a handshake. The tone of the event was sharp at times, but it was generally substantive, policy-focused and without personal attacks. The first and only major run-in with moderators happened about a half hour into the debate, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Here’s what to know:

• The running mates focused on attacking their opposing presidential nominees. Vance spoke confidently and clearly, while Walz had a tougher time finding his footing.
• Vance spoke candidly about his differences with Donald Trump. He addressed his prior criticisms, saying he was initially “wrong” about the former president. Later, Vance deflected when asked if he supported Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
• Both candidates spoke to their stances on abortion. Walz defended his record as Minnesota governor, while Vance followed the Trump campaign’s lead in searching for a middle ground on the issue. Meanwhile, on Truth Social, Trump committed to vetoing a national abortion ban.
• Asked if they would support or oppose a preemptive strike on Iran by Israel, both candidates cited Israel’s right to defend itself without directly answering the question.
• Vance and Walz each voiced sympathy for those affected by Hurricane Helene, but sparred over the role of climate change.

In an event that is unlikely to change the trajectory of the presidential race, the two running mates were cordial with each other, training their attacks instead on the tops of the opposing tickets and focusing largely on policy differences. Vance repeatedly hit Vice President Kamala Harris on border security, while Walz lambasted former President Donald Trump on abortion rights.

The debate was almost entirely focused on domestic issues. CBS moderators opened with a question about the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, but did not ask about the United States’ support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

JD Vance and Tim Walz agreed on close to nothing during the debate—beyond the horror of mass shootings—but the overall tenor remained civil and focused on policy differences between the two major-party tickets. Unlike last month’s presidential debate, which saw Vice President Kamala Harris repeatedly get under former President Donald Trump’s skin and a frequent exchange of personal jabs, the encounter between Vance and Walz was more respectful in tone. Both seemed to realize that their real opponent—the one that could run the country—wasn’t on stage.

The Wall Street Journal reports Walz came to the debate stage with higher expectations because he has far more experience on the stage than Vance, who is newer to politics. But Walz took a while to get going, and seemed nervous in the beginning, and throughout gave long answers where a shorter one may have served him better. And throughout the night he had some shaky moments, at one point calling himself a “knucklehead” and confusing Iran for Israel at one point.

Vance, who has faced scrutiny over a series of controversial comments about women and Haitian migrants, has struggled with low approval ratings since he was named as Trump’s running mate. But he appeared comfortable onstage and largely avoided creating the kind of soundbites Democrats have used to attack his judgment and character.

Vance’s team was pleased with his performance, with some of his allies saying throughout the debate that they thought he was a smoother and more concise debater. Ahead of the debate, one of Vance’s allies noted that he has spent more time doing TV interviews and having unscripted exchanges with reporters, which appeared to pay dividends on the debate stage.