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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, 8:43 PM EDT

Springfield voters want 'fewer memes, more solutions' from the campaigns

The Ohio town was at the center of a political firestorm after Vance and Trump amplified false claims that Haitian migrants were eating people's pets.

Voters there told ABC News' Terry Moran what they want to hear from both campaigns in these final weeks of the race.

"They know the city is on a recovering path," Moran said. "What they want is practical, pragmatic solutions to the problems they face. If there are going to be immigrants in this community that don't speak the language, they need more help with the translation. They need more resources for primary care, for school teachers."

"They want to hear fewer memes, more solutions."

Read more about what unfolded in Springfield and Vance's false claims about the migrants there.

A mural is displayed in an alley downtown, Sept. 16, 2024, in Springfield, Ohio.
Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

Oct 01, 2024, 8:34 PM EDT

Trump's advice to Vance: 'Have fun'

Former President Trump said he told his running mate to "have fun" ahead of tonight's debate.

"He's a smart guy. He's been amazing. He's been a real warrior," Trump said of Vance during a campaign event in Milwaukee.

Oct 01, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT

Gwen Walz sends husband well-wishes before debate

Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz sent her husband well-wishes in a post on X prior to the debate.

"Tim has always held true to the values he grew up with: loving your country, helping your neighbor, and fighting for what's right." she wrote.

"We're so proud of you, Tim."

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim

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.