On October 1, 2024, the Vice Presidential debate between Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio took place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. Moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan from CBS News, the debate was notable for its focus on policy and civil discourse.
Key Topics Discussed
Reproductive Rights:
- Tim Walz emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights, criticizing the Republican stance on this issue.
- JD Vance supported more restrictive measures and advocated for state-level decisions on abortion.
Healthcare:
- Tim Walz advocated for expanding access to healthcare and criticized previous attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
- JD Vance promoted a market-driven approach to healthcare, emphasizing the need to reduce costs and increase competition.
Hurricane Helene Response:
- Tim Walz praised the current administration’s efforts in responding to Hurricane Helene.
- JD Vance criticized the speed and efficiency of the federal response.
Foreign Policy:
- Both candidates expressed support for Israel but differed on their approaches to handling the Middle East crisis.
Debate Tone and Conduct
The debate was marked by a relatively civil tone compared to previous debates. Both candidates focused on policy issues rather than personal attacks, providing a more substantive discussion on the topics at hand.
This debate provided voters with a clear view of where each candidate stands on critical issues, setting the stage for the upcoming election.