The vice-presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was a rare display of civility in modern American politics. Although unlikely to sway the presidential race, the two candidates remained cordial, focusing their attacks on the top of the opposing tickets and policy differences. Vance criticized Vice President Kamala Harris on border security, while Walz targeted former President Donald Trump over abortion rights.
Vance, representing the younger and more polite voice of the Republican ticket, was respectful, addressing his opponent by title and even pronouncing Harris' name correctly. Unlike Trump, he refrained from complaints about the moderators, though Trump voiced frustrations online. Vance also avoided delving into Walz’s personal background.
Walz, initially nervous, found his footing as the debate progressed. He portrayed Trump as a leader who disregards experts and facts, presenting a sharp contrast. The debate centered mainly on domestic issues, with CBS moderators only briefly addressing foreign affairs, notably the conflict between Israel and Iran, without touching on U.S. support for Ukraine.
One of the most striking moments came when Walz challenged Vance on the January 6, 2021, insurrection and Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. When pressed, Vance deflected, stating his focus was on the future, which Walz quickly criticized as a non-answer. Vance tried to downplay the severity of the Capitol attack by comparing it to Democratic concerns over Russian interference in the 2016 election, but Walz drew a sharp distinction, emphasizing that Clinton conceded in 2016, unlike Trump.
The two clashed again over immigration, with Walz addressing Vance’s false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were harming local pets. Vance responded by defending the American citizens of Springfield, while Walz pointed to the broader consequences of misinformation.
Throughout the debate, Vance referred to Harris as Biden’s "border czar," while Walz blamed Trump for obstructing bipartisan efforts to address immigration. Despite their disagreements, the debate ended on a rare note of decorum, with both candidates shaking hands and sharing a brief conversation as their spouses joined them on stage.