The vice-presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz sparked intense reactions across political divides. Who won the VP debate tonight has become a hot topic among voters and media outlets alike, with multiple polls and commentators offering their insights. This debate might be pivotal as it showcases the significant policy and character differences between the candidates.
Who Won the VP Debate? Conservative Reactions and Praise for Vance
As the debate unfolded, debate viewers and conservatives on social media were quick to declare JD Vance the winner. Prominent figures like Clay Travis called the debate “a massacre,” while Charlie Kirk described Vance’s performance as a clear and decisive victory, stating, “JD Vance just won big… and it wasn’t even close.”
Many commentators focused on how Vance’s sharp rebuttals and clear articulation of conservative values set him apart from Walz.
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Several conservative organizations joined the chorus of praise. For example, Sentinel Action Fund’s Jessica Anderson emphasized that the Harris-Walz ticket embodies the most radical left-wing ideas in U.S. history, a sentiment echoed by American Principles Project President Terry Schilling, who said Vance’s stellar performance signals a bright future for the GOP.
Walz Faces Criticism for Debate Stumbles
While JD Vance was praised, Tim Walz faced considerable criticism from some corners of the media. CNN’s Abby Phillip and ABC’s Linsey Davis both pointed out Walz’s lack of energy and execution, comparing his debate to past underwhelming performances from Democratic candidates. Symone Sanders Townsend, an MSNBC host, criticized Walz for not effectively challenging Vance’s positions, asking, “If you agree with Vance on so much, why should we vote for you?”
Despite the criticism, Walz also had strong moments, especially when discussing his experiences as a football coach and pheasant hunter to introduce a discussion on gun control. However, some of his statements, such as mentioning his friendship with school shooters, led to awkward reactions from viewers and media alike.
Polls: A Split Verdict
In the aftermath of the debate, multiple polls attempted to answer the pressing question: Who won the debate tonight, viewers wondered. Results varied across the board.
A KTVU FOX 2 poll found a narrow victory for Vance with 51% of viewers favoring him, while 49% believed Walz performed better.
CBS News’ poll was even closer, with 42% supporting Vance and 41% backing Walz, with 17% feeling it was a tie.
Meanwhile, a POLITICO snap poll showed no decisive winner, highlighting a stark division between Republican and Democratic respondents.
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While the polls painted a mixed picture, one thing became clear: Debate viewers were split, but JD Vance appeared to emerge with a slight edge overall.
Fact-Checking and Controversy
One of the most talked-about moments in the debate was the live fact-checking of JD Vance by CBS News moderators.
During a discussion on immigration, moderator Margaret Brennan corrected Vance’s statement about illegal immigrants overwhelming resources in Springfield, Ohio. Vance pushed back, pointing out that fact-checking was not supposed to be part of the debate’s rules.
Despite the friction, Vance held firm on his stance, which resonated positively with Republican viewers, though debate moderators seemed eager to move on quickly.
What’s Next for the Candidates?
With the debate behind them, both JD Vance and Tim Walz made closing statements focused on offering a new direction for the U.S. Vance, aligning with Donald Trump’s campaign, emphasized that America needs change and a return to policies that worked under Trump’s leadership.
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On the other hand, Walz, representing Kamala Harris’s ticket, promoted a message of hope and joy, positioning Harris as a beacon for middle-class solutions.
While the polls may be divided on who won the VP debate tonight, one thing is clear: both candidates have starkly different visions for America’s future.
As the race to the White House continues, the VP debate may have offered a glimpse into the contrasting paths that lie ahead for voters in November.
