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Walz-Vance debate updates: VP candidates tangle on abortion, immigration and Jan. 6

Walz and Vance squared off for the first and only time this election cycle.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Brittany Gaddy, and Tal Axelrod
Last Updated: October 1, 2024, 11:54 PM EDT

Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance squared off for the first and only time this election season.

Unlike the last two presidential debates, the candidates appeared to be more cordial. However, both running mates criticized the presidential candidates on a host of issues including gun violence, reproductive rights, immigration and climate change.

Walz appeared to have nerves in the opening of debate, but went on the attack as the night went on. Vance took aim at Harris and her policies and pushed Trump's policies.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
Oct 01, 2024, 11:18 PM EDT

Biden, Trump react to debate

Following the debate, President Joe Biden said Walz proved he "has what it takes" to be the vice president.

"Trust me, I know what a good vice president looks like," Biden wrote on X. "Tonight’s debate made it clear my friend @Tim_Walz has what it takes."

Former President Donald Trump said his running mate "crushed it" on his social media platform, and his campaign said Vance "perfectly articulated" the case for a second Trump administration.

Oct 01, 2024, 10:52 PM EDT

Candidates shake hand again

Vance and Walz shook hands again after delivering their closing statements and remained on the debate stage chatting with each other briefly before being joined by their respective spouses.

PHOTO: Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz (R) and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance embrace after their debate, Oct. 1, 2024 in New York City.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz (R) and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance embrace after their debate, Oct. 1, 2024 in New York City.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Oct 01, 2024, 10:49 PM EDT

Vance attacks Harris in closing statement

Vance ended the night with a closing statement focusing on Harris' policies.

The senator blamed Harris' policies for higher energy costs, housing costs and other goods.

"We need change. We need a new direction. We need a president who has already done this once before and did it well," he said.

Oct 01, 2024, 10:48 PM EDT

Walz gives closing pitch

Walz said he was "proud" of the coalition Harris has been able to build since becoming the nominee, from Sen. Bernie Sanders to Taylor Swift.

"And they believe in a truly optimistic future for this country," he said.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gestures as he speaks during a debate with Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance in New York City, Oct. 1, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

Walz said Harris is giving people a "new way forward" while Vance would only stand for Trump's agenda.