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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.
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.
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Harris campaign says Walz won the debate
Jen O’Malley Dillon, the campaign chair for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign released a statement claiming that Walz won the debate.
"He spoke passionately about the Vice President’s vision for a new way forward for the country. And in what was the most critical moment of the entire debate, which came in its final exchange, he stood up for our Constitution, while JD Vance admitted he’d put Trump ahead of the country," she said.
"The Governor showed once again that he will be an experienced governing partner on day one for Vice President Harris as they work together to deliver for working families," she added.
Walz grabs a slice of pizza after the debate
Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz were seen grabbing some food at a local pizzeria near CBS Studios following the debate.
Earlier in the day, the governor went for a jog in Central Park.
“I think it was a good debate, the public got to see a contrast, and I think the ending sums it up -- the democracy issue’s important," he said after several shouted questions from press about his debate performance.
Walz then did not answer two shouted questions about his answer during the debate about befriending school shooters. He also ignored a question about whether he was in Hong Kong for the Tiananmen Square massacre.
He did, however, mumble an answer about whether he would expand upon his faith.
“We’re Lutherans, we don’t talk about it,” he laughed to Gwen.
-Isabella Murray
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.
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.