Vice-presidential debate: Pence and Harris discussed the future of America
2 october 2024 в 17:37
The vice presidential debate last night, on Tuesday, October 1, stood out as an anomaly amid the growing tensions between political parties in the United States.
When Republican Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz from Minnesota clashed in their first and only debate, they engaged in a fairly cordial exchange of views, although there were some expected moments of irritation on certain topics. In his first real opportunity to introduce himself to viewers across the country, Vance seemed more composed — a stark contrast to his counterpart, Donald Trump, while Walz started off somewhat unsteadily but found his rhythm when discussing topics such as abortions and the January 6th Capitol riot.
For Vance, who has been struggling for several weeks, the debates were a rare success in his campaign and an opportunity to improve his reputation just five weeks before the elections. However, his biggest problem is that he is not at the top of the list.
Vance mentioned Trump less than Walz — Kamala Harris. Although he referred to Trump’s past presidency, claiming that many of the issues being discussed stem from the current administration, Vance seemed to shine, articulating his own positions and biography. His arguments seemed more digestible to Americans compared to Trump, who made scandalous remarks during the presidential debate — such as his unfounded claim in Springfield, Ohio, that Haitian immigrants eat domestic animals, a rumor that quickly spread among his supporters.
Walz, leveraging Harris’s stronger performance on the national stage in September, took a more relaxed approach and focused on moments when their campaign successfully engaged voters. This was a turning point, as Walz, who is less experienced on the debate stage, largely avoided media interviews and has not faced many questions since becoming the Democratic vice presidential candidate.
Overall, the main takeaway for many viewers was that civilized communication between parties seems achievable and that defending democracy may be a fundamental issue for Americans — especially those who are ready to vote but still unsure where they stand.
Walz emphasized this point several times, mentioning that «as a football coach», - he understands that «sometimes you really want to win, but democracy is more important than winning elections». He added: «You shake hands, and then you try to do everything possible to help the other side win. That’s what was at stake here… The president’s words matter. People hear it. So I think the question of reconciling our differences at the ballot box, shaking hands in defeat, and honestly acknowledging that is critical. Denying what happened on January 6th — for the first time in U.S. history, when a president or anyone tried to overturn fair elections and a peaceful transfer of power — is unacceptable».
By the end of the debates, after moments of «unity», - Walz directly asked Vance if Trump lost the 2020 election. Vance avoided a direct answer, instead deflecting with a question about COVID-19 censorship related to Facebook.
«Did he lose the 2020 election?» Walz insisted.
«Tim, I am focused on the future», - Vance replied.
«That's a stunning non-answer», - Walz responded.
After the debates, while at a pizzeria, Walz was confronted by journalists who questioned him about his previously stated friendship with school shooters and his claim of being in Hong Kong in June 1989, despite reports indicating otherwise.
However, he responded when asked about his strongest moment in the debates. «The audience saw the contrast, and I think the conclusion sums it up. The issue of democracy is important», - he stated
When Republican Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz from Minnesota clashed in their first and only debate, they engaged in a fairly cordial exchange of views, although there were some expected moments of irritation on certain topics. In his first real opportunity to introduce himself to viewers across the country, Vance seemed more composed — a stark contrast to his counterpart, Donald Trump, while Walz started off somewhat unsteadily but found his rhythm when discussing topics such as abortions and the January 6th Capitol riot.
For Vance, who has been struggling for several weeks, the debates were a rare success in his campaign and an opportunity to improve his reputation just five weeks before the elections. However, his biggest problem is that he is not at the top of the list.
Vance mentioned Trump less than Walz — Kamala Harris. Although he referred to Trump’s past presidency, claiming that many of the issues being discussed stem from the current administration, Vance seemed to shine, articulating his own positions and biography. His arguments seemed more digestible to Americans compared to Trump, who made scandalous remarks during the presidential debate — such as his unfounded claim in Springfield, Ohio, that Haitian immigrants eat domestic animals, a rumor that quickly spread among his supporters.
Walz, leveraging Harris’s stronger performance on the national stage in September, took a more relaxed approach and focused on moments when their campaign successfully engaged voters. This was a turning point, as Walz, who is less experienced on the debate stage, largely avoided media interviews and has not faced many questions since becoming the Democratic vice presidential candidate.
Overall, the main takeaway for many viewers was that civilized communication between parties seems achievable and that defending democracy may be a fundamental issue for Americans — especially those who are ready to vote but still unsure where they stand.
Walz emphasized this point several times, mentioning that «as a football coach», - he understands that «sometimes you really want to win, but democracy is more important than winning elections». He added: «You shake hands, and then you try to do everything possible to help the other side win. That’s what was at stake here… The president’s words matter. People hear it. So I think the question of reconciling our differences at the ballot box, shaking hands in defeat, and honestly acknowledging that is critical. Denying what happened on January 6th — for the first time in U.S. history, when a president or anyone tried to overturn fair elections and a peaceful transfer of power — is unacceptable».
By the end of the debates, after moments of «unity», - Walz directly asked Vance if Trump lost the 2020 election. Vance avoided a direct answer, instead deflecting with a question about COVID-19 censorship related to Facebook.
«Did he lose the 2020 election?» Walz insisted.
«Tim, I am focused on the future», - Vance replied.
«That's a stunning non-answer», - Walz responded.
After the debates, while at a pizzeria, Walz was confronted by journalists who questioned him about his previously stated friendship with school shooters and his claim of being in Hong Kong in June 1989, despite reports indicating otherwise.
However, he responded when asked about his strongest moment in the debates. «The audience saw the contrast, and I think the conclusion sums it up. The issue of democracy is important», - he stated
© Artemenko Olga
