Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz raised eyebrows during Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate, appearing visibly nervous. At the same time, Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance delivered a steady and composed performance, widely regarded as the debate’s victor.
The debate, hosted by CBS News, saw the two candidates engage in a primarily civil discussion, with both expressing mutual respect.
Walz, 60, who is known for his laid-back style on the campaign trail, fidgeted and misspoke several times during the event.
Early in the debate, when asked about supporting a potential Israeli preemptive strike against Iran, he mistakenly mentioned “the expansion of Israel and its proxies” instead of Iran’s proxies.
He also struggled later, claiming he had “become friends with school shooters” while discussing gun control, seemingly meaning to refer to victims.
Walz faced further scrutiny when questioned about past claims that he had been in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. When asked to clarify the discrepancy, he admitted to misspeaking, but his response was seen as shaky.
In contrast, Vance, 40, presented a calm and confident demeanor. He touched on personal stories, including his mother’s battle with opioid addiction and his connection to someone who had an abortion.
Vance used these moments to discuss policy positions, including expanding affordable housing and fertility treatments.
He also acknowledged the defeat of his anti-abortion stance in Ohio’s 2023 referendum and emphasised the importance of rebuilding trust with voters.
Vance’s performance was seen as a decisive win by commentators, including pollster Frank Luntz, whose focus group of undecided voters overwhelmingly favored the Republican senator.
Political analysts also noted Walz’s apparent lack of preparation, having conducted fewer media engagements than Vance’s extensive press interviews.
The debate marked a significant moment in the campaign, with Vance managing to showcase a balanced, amiable approach, while Walz appeared flustered and off his game.
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