(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) “Sen. J.D Vance (left) and Gov. Tim Walz (right) shake hands after CBS News debate”
Duncan Cowie
Connector Staff
Oct. 1 held the first Vice Presidential debate, marking the first time Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz have met, testing the mettle of both their speaking qualities and the policies their administrations would bring to the table. This was an essential event for both men, allowing them to argue on policy and show the public what kind of America the candidates sought. Sen. Vance has had difficulty controlling his image, with memes and awkward jokes making him look “weird” and unpleasant to the American public. However, his debate performance made him seem competent, confident, and well-spoken—a big contrast to ex-president Trump’s display. Gov. Walz was solid in his responses and rebuttals, keeping his charm high and comments on message. Both men acted very polite towards each other and, at times, complimented and agreed with each other on immigration and the economy.
UMass Lowell students at the Political Science Department’s watch party were polled after the event. The results showed a draw between the two. Students said both politicians performed well, neither out of sync nor embarrassing to their presidential candidates. Sen. Vance was viewed to have the advantage during the first few questions. He began with a more confident start than Gov. Walz. Walz, however, was able to find his footing, leading to a more evenly matched second half. Students viewed Vance as sophisticated and articulated, although “not bringing up valid points.” In contrast, students said Walz “debunked [Vance’s] claims around Trump’s economy, healthcare, and immigration.” Students appeared to agree more with Gov.Walz’s claims.
When asked who won the debate, Department Chair Dr. Joshua Dyck said that both accomplished what they intended to do, “You really just don’t want to be the loser.” He felt that Walz did a good job “speaking from experience” while possessing a “folksy charm.” Conversely, Dr. Dyck felt Senator Vance had “more to prove.” He believed he “performed very well,” coming off as articulate, thoughtful, and compassionate, and that he was “primarily a good deliverer of Trumpism-lite.” During his performance, Sen. Vance articulated an economic populist view of the future that clashes with what many Republicans have agreed on up until now; even talking positively about specific social welfare programs was unusual for the Republican Party of Bush and Reagan.
Vance and Walz’s face-off appears to be the last debate in this election cycle, with national voting day less than a month away. The event boasted 43.15 million viewers, and according to a CBS News Poll, many overwhelmingly believed it had a positive tone. With the race polling within a margin of error, even the seemingly historically insignificant VP Debate may impact the outcome.