Overview of the Vice Presidential Debate:
On October 1, 2024, just a few days ago, Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced off in the only Vice Presidential Debate ahead of the upcoming November election. This highly anticipated event attracted a significant portion of the American public, eager to witness the discussion of pressing societal issues. Democrats, Republicans, and people part of independent parties all tuned in to watch this amazing display of civil debate.
Candidate Profiles:
The debate kicked off with both candidates delivering strong introductions before diving into a wide array of prominent topics. JD Vance, the running mate of former President Donald Trump, presented himself as prepared and polished, exuding a cheerful and rational demeanor that stood in stark contrast to Trump's often confrontational style. Despite his transformation from a Democrat and Trump critic during the 2016-2020 election cycle to a staunch Republican, Vance remains a polarizing figure. Many view him as inauthentic due to his shift in allegiance and controversial statements. Nonetheless, he aimed to win over the American people, consistently expressing gratitude to the audience and acknowledging the debate's hosts and CBS. According to recent polls, Vance excelled in questioning Vice President Kamala Harris's failure to fulfill earlier commitments, positioning himself as a more amiable version of Trump. However, his reputation as untrustworthy lingers, given his perceived opportunism in changing sides.
In contrast, Tim Walz, running alongside Kamala Harris, appeared less prepared and more anxious during the debate. He stumbled through the foreign policy segment, struggling with offbeat pauses and misspeaking. However, he regained composure when discussing domestic issues, climate change, immigration, and abortion rights, scoring key points against Trump. By framing Trump as unprepared to tackle pressing issues, Walz likely satisfied his campaign’s expectations. His weakest moment came when he had to clarify his previous claims about his absence during the Tiananmen Square protests, undermining his earlier statements.
Both candidates touched upon critical issues, but fact-checkers later pointed out inaccuracies in their claims. Overall, both Vance and Walz represented their running mates well, making the debate an engaging event.
Looking Ahead:
With the debate concluded, the pivotal question remains: What comes next? As the November election approaches, it’s essential for American citizens to engage thoughtfully with the electoral process. If you're unsure about whom to support, now is the time to conduct thorough research on both candidates. Conversations with friends and family can also be beneficial in weighing the pros and cons of each option.
Our Take:
Both the Democrat and Republican parties have been bought out by large corporations, following the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United case. The American people need to rise up and overthrow the corruption that has taken over our government.