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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, 12:47 PM EDT

Trump says VP debate 'stacked' against Vance

Former President Donald Trump told Kellyanne Conway on Monday morning that the debate will be stacked against his running mate. He also remained undecided on a second debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

“So, I'd rather debate. I'd rather have another one. The problem is, we're so far down the line,” Trump said.

Trump claimed the debates are "so stacked," adding, "you'll see it tomorrow with JD. It'll be stacked.”

While on the campaign trail last weekend, Harris used Tuesday night’s debate to goad Trump into accepting a second debate, saying that it shouldn’t be the “last word.”

-ABC News’ Kelsey Walsh and Gabriella Abdul-Hakim

Oct 01, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT

Vance is prepared for debate: Trump campaign

Vance is prepared for his debate against Walz, said Jason Miller, the Trump campaign senior adviser, on Monday.

The Ohio senator has turned to Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to help him in debate rehearsals by playing Walz, sources familiar with the plans told ABC News. One of the sources said Emmer was invited to be the stand-in so Vance could prepare to take on the governor's folksy personality.

Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance speaks at a campaign event in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 18, 2024.
Karl B Deblaker/AP

-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie

Oct 01, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT

Where's Walz? From under the radar to the VP debate spotlight

In the eight weeks since being selected by Harris to join the ticket, Walz -- originally thought to be a dark-horse selection coming from behind to beat out some better-known national figures -- has effectively barnstormed the country.

"I think this is a big moment for him. Up till now, he's been heavily managed and carefully guarded," said Larry Jacobs, the director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. "Now he's going to be out there on the stage, and if he makes mistakes or comes off as not quite as authentic as he's been claiming, I think it'll be damaging to him, and he might make mistakes.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visits the field of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 28, 2024.
Andrew Roth/Shutterstock

Read more here.

-ABC News’ Isabella Murray

Oct 01, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT

Walz not expected to visit spin room post debate

Walz will not be in the spin room after the debate, according to the Harris-Walz campaign.

Seven surrogates will spin for him instead, including Sens. Mark Kelly, Amy Klobuchar, Ben Ray Luján; Govs. Jared Polis and JB Pritzker; Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison.

-ABC News’ Isabella Murray