Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty /Who Won VP Debate, Vance Walz? Readers
By Hugh Cameron
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Vice presidential nominees Tim Walz and JD Vance squared off against each other in New York on Tuesday night in what looks likely to have been the last TV debate of the 2024 election.
It was an opportunity for Vance, the Republican candidate, to sell the "Make America Great Again" message, following a September 10 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump which was widely seen as a resounding victory for the vice president.
Walz, the Democrat nominee, stuck to the center. Like Vance, he managed to avoid gaffes or personal attacks.
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In a more civil, policy-focused debate than witnessed between the two presidential candidates, the topics of discussion were largely fueled by recent events, such as Hurricane Helene and geopolitical upheaval in the Middle East.
In an online poll we asked 'Who won the Oct. 01 vice presidential debate?'. Thousands of readers took part, with Vance landing a healthy majority of the votes. But readers of varying persuasions wrote to share their thoughts, shining a light on each candidate's successes—or failures—in cutting through. Here is a selection of those comments, lightly edited for clarity. The result of the poll is at the end of this article.
JD Vance
JD Vance was pushing Walz's buttons which fueled Tim's ego. But JD actually answered the questions. But Tim actually admitted that he lied about China which will probably hurt him in the long run. Walz really didn't answer a lot of the questions and was on his note pad a lot. JD, however, was looking at the camera while he was talking and was looking directly at Walz when Tim was talking. But I will say, I am really glad both candidates showed respect for each other! Ryan Arnold
Tim Walz
Clearly he was the most authentic. He spoke truthfully about issues the American people are concerned with. He may have dodged questions or spoke around accusations that he has, in the past embellished, but we all do that to some extent. I think people tend to have an "Awww but look at the childhood he had" when it comes to Vance. He's still backing someone who tried to overthrow our government. Jennifer K. Thessin
JD Vance
Vance came in strong and throughout the whole debate remained strong while Walz came in nervous and fumbled throughout. A key point was when they were both asked about previous remarks. Walz was asked about his previous remarks about visiting China and attempted to change the question but was asked for a clear answer and fumbled. Vance made his stance clear with Trump and admitted he was mistaken. In the end Vance won because he stayed strong throughout the debate. Luke Baker
JD Vance
JD Vance was succinct in his response to every question, showed enthusiasm for his probable role as Vice President of the United States and was very honest and respectful throughout the entire debate. Walz was disoriented, nervous and came across as defensive throughout the debate. That does not inspire confidence in him as a probable candidate for Vice Presidency. Allyson Wood
Tim Walz
Vance wouldn't answer if he thought Trump won the 2020 election. Walz answered more questions in a straightforward manner while Vance danced around the answers because he knows what he's said is making him unlikable and he didn't want to seem that ugly or hateful. Also, Walz is obviously for the American people and Vance is obviously for Trump. Stacie Townsend
Tim Walz
OK, so the reason I believe Tim Walz won this debate was because he was able to stay calm and collected. He was hurled with misinformation from Senator Vance throughout this debate and stood his ground. He also made some strong points, but I personally feel he should have used those moments to call Vance out. Michael Sanderson
JD Vance
Vance was articulate, compassionate, confident and very knowledgeable. Not only does he have a tremendous understanding of the very serious issues our country is dealing with, he is ready and willing to do something about it. I'm tired of being embarrassed and ashamed of our nation; I want to be proud to be an American. I look forward to seeing Vance elected president after Trump's term ends. On the other hand, it was sad to see how Walz continually bragged about himself and his accomplishments. Not only did he exaggerate, he also felt the need to misinform and lie. Very disappointed in him. Carol Reader
JD Vance
Cool, calm, and collected. Vance and Walz both delivered civil rhetoric that sought to humanize the other person while both stood their ground coherently and at times combatively with the other candidate. JD Vance I believe etched out a victory over his opponent. He had more control over the debate and steered a tight ship with Walz performing less adequately in the beginning of the debate. In the end, this debate is a call to civility and being able to agree to disagree while finding some common ground among policy issues many Americans face today. Omar Abuaita
JD Vance
JD Vance made more sense for my day to day middle class life. I believe in him and can feel good about my vote. I wanted to wait to hear more on policies from both sides and I think Trump and Vance can benefit regular day to day Americans more. I have never voted before but the last 3 years my husband and I have struggled financially. We both work and we have 4 children, at the end of the day my family and the needs of my family fit into the Trump and JD Vance stance. Dakota Surber
Tim Walz
Vance would not admit that Trump lost 2020 and Vance reacted very poorly when the Haitian immigrants were brought up. I wasn't pleased with Walz's issue regarding his visits to China, but that is a much smaller offense in my mind than Vance's offenses. Jeanne Bernards
JD Vance
JD Vance was 100% truthful, highly confident and extremely professional. Every thing JD Vance said was an actual answer to the questions and was beneficial for the American people. JD Vance is very confident, successful, intelligent and professional! Nadynne Suderman
Tim Walz
This was way more civil and professional than the presidential debate prior to this. I think Vance looked more professional than Democrats and even some Republicans thought. Walz was definitely feeling nerves at the beginning. I think both candidates did well with stating specific policies and not just basing the issues on feelings. Ultimately though, I think I would have to say Walz won overall because it seemed that the competition between the two was more about who could portray their running mate and criticize their opponent's running mate better. And Walz was more straightforward while Vance took a slight and further turn talking about, for example, about how "illegal aliens were bringing in guns/firearms." But overall, I was refreshed to see both candidates having respect, dignity, and decency toward each other regardless of their different political views. Michael Smith
JD Vance
Senator Vance addressed the Trump plans, the governor addressed what he did in Minnesota. Too bad that he isn't the democratic nominee. He would still lose but it would be a tough choice for everyone. Jeffery L. Draper
JD Vance
He showed that not only can he control a situation, he can do it without getting edgy or flustered. He spoke about what I believe is important to the American people at this time. Travis Daubs
Tim Walz
JD Vance just seemed focused on getting the "sympathy vote". How many times did we have to hear his mother is a recovering drug addict who was on welfare. Unfortunately, that is the story of so many and most people could care less because they feel as if it's not their problem. Secondly, how many times did he have to say VP Harris's name like he just learned how to pronounce it. He was cool but all I saw was calculating. Did not fool me not one time. Chanel Peters
JD Vance
JD Vance won by a landslide! JD Vance was a more effective communicator and was on point regarding critical issues such as the economy and immigration challenges the country has been faced with under the Biden Administration. I'm aligned with JD Vance's stance that questions why hasn't Kamala Harris already addressed these issues and now is not the time when asking for a promotion to say her policies will be effective. Frances Laney-Wenzel
JD Vance
Vance connected with me better than Walz. I felt comfortable with his rationale and explanations. Both were fairly agreeable, but Vance seemed interested in working together than attacking Walz or Harris. Walz turned me off by dodging a few critical questions and turning them into opportunities to bash trump on subjects unrelated to the question. I know who I am voting for now. Joseph Carney
Tim Walz
Walz was more human, displaying a kindness toward his fellow humankind. He also connected with me as a woman with his support of autonomy over my own body. Truthfully I put no faith in what a politician promises to do because they rarely fulfill said promises. Yet I trust that the Harris-Walz administration will be more likely to initiate some kind of control whereas Trump and Vance would be more likely to offer up more "thoughts and prayers". Suzanne Jett
JD Vance
Depending on which side you lean, either one could have been the winner. Both seemed to truly believe what they were saying. Vance was more clear and matter of fact and Walz was energetic and passionate. Overall, it actually made me feel better about both presidential candidates. Abigail McClellan
Tim Walz
I thought Walz did fantastic. He obviously was nervous, but he made some great points, addressed misinformation and called out lies, and actually addressed the questions asked of him. He didn't come off as a typical politician, which was really nice. He seemed like a real human being. Colin Berthold
Tim Walz
Walk spoke truth, policy, and for the people. Vance deflected and lied although he was better (more human and polite) than I thought he could be. Shaina Terrell
If you cannot see the poll above, the results to the question 'Who Won the Vice Presidential Debate?' were as follows:
JD Vance: 11,316
Tim Walz: 7,225
The poll was conducted online on October 1 to October 2.
Update 10/02/24 9:04 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional responses from Newsweek readers.
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