VP debate live updates: Walz grills Vance over Trump’s cat-eating claims as candidates trade jabs over abortion
Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calmly sparred over abortion, the economy, immigration and gun control
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Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz got heated exchanges about immigration and abortion during the vice presidential debate on Tuesday night.
Walz challenged Vance about his false claims of Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio – which led to bomb threats in the city. Vance replied that he was focused on the American citizens in Springfield.
The Republican and Democratic vice presidential nominees had their microphones cut while they sparred over the facts of immigration status.
On the topic of abortion, Walz accused Vance of not supporting women with his past comments about national bans. Vance disputed those claims and said he and Trump would leave abortion up to the states.
Tonight’s debate could be consequential because Trump and Harris are neck-and-neck in the polls. The outcome of tonight’s conversation could impact how voters view the two campaigns – two-thirds of Democrats reported perceiving a candidate’s running mate is important.
Democrats reportedly privately voiced concerns that Walz could underperform in the debate because of his tendency to get heated while defending his record in office.
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Walz and Vance shake hands to end the night
Vance appeared more confident during debate
Both candidates maintained a more even-toned attitude than expected going into the debate, but ultimately Vance seemed more confident in his answers.
At the start of the debate, Walz’s nerves were palpable as he tried to deliver an answer on Israel. His confidence got better throughout the debate and he delivered more punching answers toward the end.
But Vance ultimately seemed more unbothered and well-prepared for the vice presidential debate.
Walz paints a positive picture, Vance attacks Harris in closing statements
In their closing statements, Walz maintained a positive outlook of the United States while Vance attacked Harris.
The Democratic vice presidential candidate reminded people that Harris wants to create a more affordable, accessible country for everyone. It was reminiscent of the beginning of the Harris–Walz campaign when they promoted a message of hope for a better future.
But Vance spent most of his closing statement attacking Harris and her policies – a familiar strategy that Trump invokes in his rallies and speeches.
Vance refuses to admit Trump lost 2020 election
Walz is having a notably strong moment while denouncing January 6 and confronting Vance for refusing to admit Trump lost the 2020 election.
The Democratic vice presidential candidate asked Vance if he believed Trump won the 2020 election, to which Vance said he wanted to focus on the future.
“That is a damning nonanswer,” Walz said.
The Minnesota governor is warning Americans that this discourse over January 6 and the 2020 election. “has got to stop”
“It’s tearing our country apart,” Walz said. He urged Americans to vote for the person who will uphold democracy.
Vance swerves question on rejecting 2024 results
When confronted about election certification and January 6, Vance immediately pivoted to inflation and later to censorship.
Vance briefly answered moderators’ question, saying the 2020 election had “problems” and defended his running mate for telling rioters to go peacefully to the Capitol on January 6.
The Republican presidential candidate tried to make the attack on the Capitol appear like a health debate. However, more than 1,200 people have been charged in connection to the violent day.
Paid family medical leave is a staple of Walz’s governorship
Walz is advocating for more paid family medical leave on the debate stage.
Last year, Walz signed a bill to provide paid family medical leave with partial wage replacement for 12-20 weeks of leave in a 52-week period for medical leave or family care. That kicks in January 2026.
Walz passionately speaks about the Affordable Care Act
In response to Trump and Vance potentially overturning ACA, Walz reminds people that Trump did not successfully repeal the ACA while in office and the policy preserves healthcare coverage for those with preexisting conditions.
Walz, using his hands a lot, is passionately explaining why the ACA is important.
Vance claims migrants are contributing to housing prices
Supporting Trump’s mass deportation policies, Vance claims that migrants are contributing to high housing costs in the U.S.
An economic study said a mass deportation of eight million immigrants would increase consumer prices.
Fact Check: Vance claim on illegally obtained firearms is incorrect
Vance suggested that school shootings are due at least in part from “illegally obtained firearms” and guns from across the southern border, but most guns used in mass shootings were obtained legally, and guns are largely being trafficked in the other direction because they are easier to buy here.
Tender moment between Vance and Walz after the Democratic vice presidential nominee shared an emotional story about his son witnessing a mass shooting.
Vance turned to Walz to sympathize with him before addressing the cameras.
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