US Vice Presidential Candidates Square Off, Defend Trump And Harris

U.S. vice-presidential candidates J.D. Vance and Tim Walz engaged in a surprisingly civil debate on Tuesday, focusing on critical issues such as migration, abortion, and Middle Eastern tensions. The debate, aired on CBS, was markedly less combative than the fiery exchanges between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in their September clash.

Although Vance, a Republican, and Walz, a Democrat, refrained from personal attacks, their positions on their respective running mates were clear. Walz criticized Trump as a threat to democracy and questioned his capability to lead the nation on foreign policy. Meanwhile, Vance attacked Harris for her role in the Biden administration’s handling of the economy and immigration issues, attempting to align her with what he described as the administration’s failures.

A significant moment came when Vance, faced with questions about Trump’s false claims of victory in the 2020 election, avoided giving a direct answer. Walz called it a “damning non-answer” and used the opportunity to denounce Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.

The debate turned tense when Vance’s microphone was temporarily muted as moderators fact-checked his statements on migration. Walz accused Vance and Trump of spreading harmful and false narratives about migrants, which he argued dehumanized vulnerable people.

On the issue of abortion, Vance accused Democrats of supporting extreme positions, referring to post-Roe v. Wade abortion laws as “barbaric.” Walz countered by affirming his stance as “pro-women,” emphasizing the need for reproductive rights.

Though the debate was largely respectful, the candidates’ ideological differences were evident. Vance, 40, and Walz, 60, share Midwestern roots and common blue-collar backgrounds but differ sharply on policy. Both men emphasized their agreement on certain points throughout the debate, and the event ended with a handshake between the contenders.

Trump and Biden continued to dominate the conversation, particularly on the topic of foreign policy. Walz condemned Trump’s foreign policy record, accusing him of alienating allies and withdrawing the U.S. from key agreements like the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Vance defended Trump’s record, suggesting the former president brought stability to global politics.

The debate offered voters a closer look at the two men poised to serve as vice president and possibly step into the presidency. Walz, known for his progressive politics, has been a prominent figure in Democratic circles, while Vance, a former Silicon Valley lawyer and author of Hillbilly Elegy, is closely aligned with Trump and his brand of politics.

Although vice-presidential debates rarely shift public opinion, this debate holds additional weight as Harris has taken a more prominent role in the Biden campaign.