VP Debate was a Shining Moment for Trump-Vance

• JD Vance spoke with a firm and polished tone, while Tim Walz appeared awkward and unprepared

• The two engaged in an unusually substantive discussion focused on the economy, migration, healthcare, and more

• Moderators stopped Vance from providing context on the border crisis

The story

Vice presidential picks Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) took the stage Tuesday night, addressing key voter issues with a depth that is atypical in modern-day politics. In stark contrast with recent debates involving Donald Trump, this one was substantive and shockingly civil.

Moreover, Vance performed in a way that may prove consequential for the Trump-Vance ticket in November.

These are some of the important topics discussed:

Foreign Policy: Walz highlighted the importance of "steady leadership" that Kamala Harris would provide, contrasting it with what he called Donald Trump’s "fickle" foreign policy.

Vance responded by arguing that Trump's presidency brought global stability, especially in the Middle East, emphasizing that there were no major international conflicts under Trump's leadership.

Illegal migration: Vance criticized the Biden-Harris administration for failing to secure the southern border and pointed to specific policies that are granting large numbers of illegal migrants temporary protected status. He also accused Harris of allowing millions of illegals into the US.

Walz countered by stating that Trump failed to deliver on his promise to build the border wall. Walz also criticized Vance's harsh rhetoric about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, stating it sparked fear and alarm in the community, leading to bomb threats that required state troopers to escort kindergarteners to school for their safety.

Abortion: Walz made an impassioned appeal for more lenient abortion laws, arguing that geography should not dictate a woman's access to abortion.

Vance, while labeling the issue complex, called for the Republican Party to regain trust on the abortion issue by being more "pro-family.” He also accused Walz of signing a bill into law as governor that doesn't provide lifesaving care to babies who survive abortions.

Walz responded by misrepresenting the text of the bill, which does precisely what Vance described.

Housing Crisis: Vance emphasized that the housing crisis is exacerbated by the influx of illegal migrants, driving up housing costs and making life unaffordable for many Americans.

Walz disagreed, suggesting that the crisis is largely due to Wall Street speculators and supported legislative efforts to bring down housing costs while providing more resources for migrants.

Vance then promised to provide a Federal Reserve study suggesting migrants may be driving up home prices, which he posted after the debate.

The debate felt like another three-on-one as the moderators frequently fact-checked and interrupted JD Vance while not doing the same to Walz. This occurred in spite of CBS agreeing not to fact-check during the debate.

The politics

From the right, Vance’s performance was seen as a resounding success. Outlets like National Review, Daily Wire, and Megyn Kelly unanimously agreed that JD Vance gave a stellar performance and was articulate and sharp on the issues.

Post-debate polls from CBS and CNN found that viewers believed JD Vance won the debate despite Walz being favored beforehand.

Some left-leaning outlets acknowledged Walz’s painfully awkward response to the Tiananmen Square question.

In 2014, Walz claimed he was in Hong Kong in May 1989 as the Tiananmen Square protests were unfolding in Beijing, but evidence uncovered by the Washington Free Beacon shows he was in Nebraska at the time and didn’t travel to China until August.

When asked about this during the debate, Walz avoided saying that he lied or got the dates mixed up, instead calling himself a “knucklehead” and that he misspoke.

Left-leaning media also attacked JD Vance for suggesting that health insurance should separate healthy and sick Americans, echoing past Republican efforts to reform Obamacare. He later clarified that protections for pre-existing health conditions should remain.

Misrepresented in the media

In one of the most chaotic moments of the evening, the moderators fact-checked JD Vance, as CBS’ Margaret Brennan pointed out that the 20,000 Haitian migrants who have arrived in Springfield, Ohio, have “temporary protected status.”

Vance pushed back on this fact-check, explaining that they gained temporary protected status through the Biden administration’s new CBP One app, which grants asylum or parole to illegal migrants without the typical lengthy immigration process. Vance made the point that this brand new directive from Joe Biden is fast-tracking illegal migrants to becoming legal citizens.

Despite his accurate correction, his microphone was cut off mid-explanation as he tried to highlight Vice President Harris’ role in the illegal migration crisis.

JD Vance, who has often been portrayed as “weird” and combative, confidently pushed back against unfair moderation and steered the conversation toward issues like the economy and immigration, which resonated with voters.

This contrasted with Walz, who often appeared stiff and awkward despite his media-crafted image as a fun, loose, blue-collar dad.

Why it matters

Vance’s ability to remain composed while critiquing the Biden administration may bolster his appeal among undecided voters, while Walz’s missteps could raise doubts about his readiness for the national stage.

Both campaigns have lots of work to do, but Vance’s performance positions him and Donald Trump strongly heading into the final weeks of the campaign.