Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance directed their criticism at the presidential frontrunners during a policy-focused discussion on Tuesday, which could be the final debate of the 2024 campaign.
This marked the first meeting between Minnesota’s Democratic governor and Ohio’s Republican senator since last month’s debate featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The encounter occurs just five weeks ahead of Election Day, coinciding with millions of voters beginning to cast early ballots.
Vance and Walz exchanged criticisms of their presidential rivals while debating key issues including international conflict, the U.S. economy, immigration, and abortion rights.
The Iranian threat to regional stability and U.S. interests worldwide sparked a debate, prompting Walz to criticize Trump.
“Steady leadership is essential,” Walz stated, noting “nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump discussing crowd sizes” and addressing global crises via Twitter.
Vance pledged to restore “effective deterrence” against Iran, echoing Trump’s policies while countering Walz’s criticisms of Trump by targeting Harris and her position in the Biden administration.
He stated, “Who has been the Vice President for the last three and a half years and the answer is your running mate, not mine.”
He emphasised that the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, occurred during the administration of Kamala Harris.
The candidates also addressed key issues including housing policy, the economy, and climate change, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in over 160 fatalities across several states.
Vance expressed condolences for the victims, stating, “I’m sure Gov. Walz joins me in saying our hearts go out to those innocent people. Our prayers go out to them.”
This statement contrasts sharply with Walz’s previous criticisms of President Biden and Vice President Harris for allegedly politicizing the response to the hurricane. Vance emphasized the need for a strong federal response, aiming to save as many lives as possible.
Furthermore, immigration emerged as a central theme during the 90-minute debate, with the Ohio Republican Senator repeatedly emphasizing concerns over the U.S. southern border, an area perceived by voters as a Democratic vulnerability.
In response, Walz pointed out that former President Trump played a significant role in undermining bipartisan legislation supported by the Biden administration, which aimed to implement some of the strictest immigration policies in U.S. history.
Tensions escalated when Vance was confronted about misleading statements he made regarding Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. Both Vance and Trump had previously propagated conspiracy theories alleging that migrants entered the U.S. illegally and harmed household pets in the city.
Abortion rights, also a significant topic in the 2024 election, ignited one of the night’s most extensive and intense debates. Walz referenced the tragic stories of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, two women from Georgia whose deaths were linked to abortion restrictions in their state.
Vance has stated that his stance on abortion has evolved. Initially, in favor of national restrictions, he has reconsidered his position after noting that a significant majority of Ohio voters advocate for access to abortion.
He shared a poignant anecdote about a close friend who, he said, confided in him a few years ago that she believed having an abortion saved her life, as it prevented her from remaining in an abusive relationship.
Additionally, Vance clarified that he did not advocate for a national abortion ban during his 2022 Senate campaign, despite previously implying support for such a measure. Instead, he emphasized the need for a “minimum national standard.”
In a related context, former President Trump took to his social media platform during the debate to assert that he would veto a national abortion ban. However, he has also claimed credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has enabled conservative states to impose bans or restrictions on the procedure.
While the debate was arguably the most civil debate of the campaign season, characterized by a generally cordial atmosphere and instances of agreement, there were also several tense exchanges and at least one instance of a muted microphone.
Frances Ibiefo
Follow us on:
