My Thoughts on the Vance-Walz VP Debate

 

I just finished watching the lone VP debate between Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance and Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz.

Here is what I wrote about Governor Walz last night:

Even if Walz comes across as less of a policy expert than Vance, he will come across as a warm, decent human being who cares about the well-being of people. This would hopefully go a long way with the independent voters who will likely decide this election. 

From where I sit not only did Walz come across as a warm, decent human being who cares about the well-being of people, but more than held his own with Vance on policy questions in his capacity as Governor of Minnesota. He also made a point of engaging Vance on points of agreement but mainly addressed his commentary to the millions of people watching at home. Walz exceeded expectations and I think makes him the winner of this debate. No doubt Pete Buttigieg prepared him well, but Walz demonstrated he has plenty of knowledge.

This isn't to say that Vance didn't stay on message about blaming the country ills on migrants both legal and illegal and Kamala Harris for inflicting those ills. No doubt this was music to Donald Trump's ears. But I think Vance's words sounded sour too many voters who haven't yet made up their minds. Vance's claims that Trump saved Obamacare when he did everything to kill it, and that Trump would do everything to regain the trust of voters on reproductive freedom when it was Trump who violated that trust and brags about doing so.

The fact that Vance couldn't answer Walz as to who won the 2020 election and tried to claim Facebook censorship was a greater threat to democracy than the violence of January 6th tells us he is bound to Trump, not to us. Walz adroitly pointed out the fact the former VP Mike Pence's decision to certify the results of the 2020 election was the reason he was not on stage with him tonight asking, "Do we honor democracy or Donald Trump?"

The 2024 presidential election is exactly five weeks from today. Tonight's debate might be a mere footnote by then depending on a litany of things such a wider war in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and dockworkers strike not to mention any number of calamitous events which could arise in the interim. 

But as with the debate between Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Trump three weeks ago, it was a good night for the Democratic candidate. We will know so should Republicans again complain about CBS debate moderators Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan as when they complained about ABC debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis last month.

There were a number of Democrats who were worried that Tim Walz wouldn't be able to rise to the occasion this evening. I believe he has put those fears to rest.