NEW YORK — JD Vance stepped onto the debate stage facing skepticism from both Democrats and Republicans alike. However, on Tuesday, the Ohio senator proved his critics wrong, focusing his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris and delivering a polished performance that outclassed Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate.
Vance’s Sharp Critique of Harris
Throughout the debate, Vance targeted Harris’ record in the Biden administration, criticizing her handling of the economy, foreign policy, and energy production. His approach was direct and pointed, especially in his first exchange when he blamed Harris for the escalation of violence in the Middle East.
“When did Iran and Hamas attack Israel? It was during Kamala Harris’ time in office,” Vance stated, setting the tone for the debate.
Vance also highlighted rising housing and living costs, asking why Harris hadn’t implemented solutions during her vice presidency if she had the answers to fix the middle-class crisis.
“If Kamala Harris has such great plans, why hasn’t she implemented them during the last three and a half years?” Vance questioned. His remarks emphasized a clear message: Harris has failed to act on the issues she claims to champion.
Tim Walz’s Struggles
In contrast, Walz seemed unsure of his role in the debate. His performance lacked the sharpness his Democratic allies were hoping for, and he hesitated to challenge Vance on key issues. While he improved as the debate went on, his initial reticence allowed Vance to dominate much of the discussion.
Even Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, acknowledged Walz’s overly cautious approach, describing it as “extra Minnesota nice.”
Vance’s Reset
For Vance, this debate offered a chance to reset his campaign after weeks of negative press. He opened by sharing his backstory, including his military service and his journey from a working-class background to bestselling author. This personal introduction, combined with his assertive but measured attacks on Harris, allowed him to stand out in a way he hadn’t before on the national stage.
Abortion and Immigration
Vance also struck a more nuanced tone on abortion, acknowledging that Republicans need to work on “earning the trust” of voters on the issue. This marked a departure from Donald Trump’s more combative rhetoric on the subject.
On immigration, Vance took a different tact from Trump by focusing on how increased immigration has driven up housing prices, avoiding the false claims about immigrants that have tripped up Trump in the past.
Walz’s Missed Opportunity
Walz, on the other hand, struggled to land significant blows on Vance or Trump. He fumbled when asked about his friendship with school shooters and incorrectly claimed to have been in Hong Kong during the 1989 protests — a claim that news reports have debunked.
After the debate, Walz reflected on his performance, stating that his strongest moment was highlighting the importance of democracy.
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