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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, 8:27 PM EDT

Walz and Vance backgrounds will be on display

Vance, at 40, is the first millennial on a major party ticket and has only been a politician for two years. He was elected to the Senate in 2022.

Walz, who is 60, has been in government for decades. He successfully ran for Congress in 2005 and served for six terms. He became the governor of Minnesota in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

Still, some commonalities exist: both are military veterans and they each bring Midwest bona fides to their respective tickets.

Oct 01, 2024, 8:21 PM EDT

Vance arrives at debate site

Vance has arrived at CBS Studios for the debate.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie

Oct 01, 2024, 8:14 PM EDT

Walz arrives at CBS Studios in NYC for debate

Walz's motorcade has arrived at CBS Studios in New York City for the debate. Vance is en route.

-ABC News' Isabella Murray and Hannah Demissie

Oct 01, 2024, 7:55 PM EDT

Political analysts weigh in on what Vance, Walz need to do to win

Reince Priebus and Donna Brazile joined ABC News Live to discuss what the goals are for Vance and Walz tonight.

"They have one thing to do: to show they can be president and to show the American people that they're likable," said Priebus, who served as chief of staff in the Trump White House.

Priebus also stressed the need to reach "uncommitted voters" and discuss what they want to hear. For Republicans, he said, the key issue is the economy, while Democrats will want to hear about health care.

Brazile, a Democratic Party operative, said Walz has to focus on how the Biden-Harris administration has lowered costs and tackled inflation while also bringing back manufacturing jobs.

"So I think that winner of this debate will be able to talk about those kitchen table issues that will be relatable to the American people. Let's abort all the conversations about childless women and cats and dogs, and instead address those concerns," she said.