The only vice-presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle saw a heated exchange between Republican Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Democratic Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.). The debate, held in New York City, focused on the contentious 2020 election results, with Walz pressing Vance to acknowledge Donald Trump’s loss and the connection between the January 6th Capitol attack and Trump’s refusal to accept defeat. Vance, however, sidestepped the issue, shifting the conversation towards the future and questioning whether Vice President Kamala Harris had “censored” Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walz countered Vance’s defense of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election loss, stating, “A president’s words matter.” Vance then criticized Democratic leaders for portraying Trump as a unique threat to democracy, highlighting their concerns about Russian social media interference in the 2016 election. Walz retorted, “Jan. 6 was not Facebook ads,” and again pressed Vance on whether Trump lost the 2020 election. Vance evaded a direct answer, maintaining his focus on the future. Walz labeled this as a “damning non-answer.”
The vice-presidential debate also saw contrasting views on foreign policy and the economy. Both candidates discussed Israel’s potential preemptive strike on Iran, with Walz affirming strong support for Israel’s self-defense and criticizing Trump’s foreign policy. Vance, on the other hand, praised Trump for maintaining global stability and supporting Israel. He also defended Trump’s immigration policies, advocating for mass deportations and rebuilding the border wall. Walz criticized Trump’s failure to secure Mexico’s funding for the wall and highlighted Harris’ strong record on prosecuting transnational criminals.
On the economy, Walz touted Democratic efforts in lowering costs, such as capping insulin prices. However, he misstated insulin’s pre-legislation cost. Vance countered by blaming Harris for rising costs in essentials like food and housing, stating, “She’s been the Vice President for three and a half years, she had the opportunity to enact all of these great policies.”
The vice-presidential debate highlighted the stark differences between the candidates and their respective parties, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched election season.
