In the current political landscape, where even the smallest percent of voters can make the difference in a Trump or Harris presidential win, every move matters. Last week, on Tuesday, October 1, the Vice Presidential Debate between Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was hosted by CBS. This is the first and only debate between the vice presidential candidates and the last debate before the November 5 election.
Initial reactions debate largely noted that compared to the presidential debate between Harris and Trump, the vice presidential debate exhibited more decorum and focused on issues rather than matters of personality and style. While most post-debate polls showed Harris edging out Trump in the presidential debate, viewer consensus in the wake of the vice presidential debate was more mixed: CBS reported that the number of voters who thought Senator Vance won was only one percent greater than the number who gave the victory to Governor Walz. 17% of voters said the two had tied.
Traditionally, debates between vice presidential candidates have been overshadowed by the ones between presidential candidates, reflecting the view that U.S. Vice Presidents have comparatively little power. However, vice presidents retain important roles in government, including the ability to cast the tie-breaking vote when the Senate is evenly locked and standing first in the presidential line of succession. Additionally, Senator Vance has been portrayed as a strong candidate to succeed Trump as the Republican presidential nominee in future elections, and the debate provided him with the largest forum yet to speak to American voters.
As the debate began, Vance came across as confident and prepared, while Walz had several verbal stumbles early on. Since Democrats have labeled the Republican ticket, including Vance, as “weird” in one of their primary campaign messages, some post-debate analysis said that he was attempting to counter this impression by showcasing Midwestern normality.
On the debate stage, he came across as moderate and seemed like he could be a stand-in for the average American man, an image both candidates attempted to project. His first words emphasized details about his background, such as being from Ohio, being part of the middle class, and going through hardships with his family growing up. He also highlighted how he is a current family man, repeatedly using the phrase “my beautiful family” or occasionally referring to his “beautiful wife” or “three beautiful kids.” Vance’s performance was likely assisted by his background as a graduate of Yale Law School, a best selling author, and a U.S. Senator.
In the first half of the debate, Walz could often be seen scrawling notes on his podium and was forced on the defensive by Vance’s arguments. Some commentators noted that his opening was less impactful, and he struggled to answer a question about past statements that he had been in China during the protests in Tiananmen Square.
Despite also being a man of the Midwest, Walz’s biography differs from Vance’s in substantial ways. He earned his bachelor’s in education from Chadron State College in rural Nebraska, followed by a master’s in education in Minnesota. Before he worked in politics, he was a high school teacher, football coach, and a veteran who served in the National Guard. Walz highlighted his experience as a teacher and veteran, aiming to resonate with the audience. While serving as a House representative for his district, he was elected Governor of Minnesota in 2018 and has served in that office since 2019.
However, Walz appeared to regain his footing as the debate progressed, speaking with seemingly more confidence and clarity. When Vance was asked about the events that unfolded on January 6, 2021, he talked about how he was “looking forwards and not backward.” Walz was ready with a retort that this was a “damning non-answer.”
The same survey showed that both Vance and Walz’s favorability ratings went up after the debate. However, Republicans have hailed the debate as a victory on messaging, feeling that Vance successfully countered Democratic portrayal that he is “weird” and overly aggressive. Meanwhile, perceptions of Walz, who has cultivated a folksy and avuncular image, did not change significantly. Whether the vice presidential debate could sway the election in crucial swing states remains to be seen.
