Walz-Vance debate: Candidates tangle in wide-ranging debate

The matchup could have an impact on critical undecided voters.

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Last updated: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 4:04AM GMT
Walz, Vance face off in vice presidential debate

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.

This combination image shows Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
This combination image shows Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
AP Photo

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Oct 02, 2024, 2:07 AM

Fact Checking the debate

FACT CHECKS OF THE DEBATE | Vice presidential debate fact check: Claims made by Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz participate in a vice presidential debate.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz participate in a vice presidential debate.
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Oct 02, 2024, 1:31 AM GMT

Walz defends Harris' immigration record

In response to Vance's criticism of Harris' immigration policy, Walz brought up the fact that Congress had a plan to address the migrant issue before Trump pushed Republicans to drop their support.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.

"Pass the bill, she'll sign it," Walz said.

ByAllison Pecorin ABCNews logo
Oct 02, 2024, 1:30 AM GMT

FACT CHECK

Claim: Walz: 'The person closest ... to Donald Trump, said he is unfit for the highest office. That is Senator Vance.'
Fact Check: True

Vance has shifted his view toward President Trump since he first rose to prominence. Early in his career, Vance made a number of comments that were disparaging toward Trump. The specific comment that Walz seems to be referencing here is from a 2016 New York Times op-ed written by Vance ahead of the release of his book "Hillbilly Elegy." In the op-ed, Vance wrote that "Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation's highest office." In years since the op-ed was published, Vance has said his views on Trump changed.

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Oct 02, 2024, 1:27 AM GMT

Vance pressed on mass deportation plans

Vance was pressed on his proposal to mass deport immigrants.

The senator argued that it was time to "stop the bleeding" contending Harris' policies have allowed for more criminal activity.

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, participates in a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, participates in a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.

He maintained that the first deportations should be those with criminal histories and the country should go back to Trump's border policies.

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Oct 02, 2024, 1:25 AM GMT

Vance, Walz offer contrasting views on climate change when questioned on Hurricane Helene

Asked about climate change's role in extreme weather amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Vance said Trump supports clean air and water, but expressed skepticism carbon emissions play a role in such weather events.

Vance's comments come one day after Trump bluntly denied any connection between climate change and the devastating storm.

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.

Walz, meanwhile, emphatically said during his response: "Climate change is real."