debate-moderators/” title=”Margaret Brennan and Norah O'Donnell: VP Debate Moderators”>Vice presidential nominees
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz engaged in a debate that garnered unusual attention, as it took center stage in the nation’s focus. Rather than directly targeting each other, both candidates directed most of their criticisms towards their running mates. Walz expressed concerns about Republican nominee Donald Trump’s stance on abortion, the economy, and immigration, while Vance emphasized that Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, shares responsibility for the Biden administration’s policy failures.Following the debate, mainstream media outlets conducted post-debate polls to gauge public opinion on the candidates’ performances. The results from four major snap polls revealed that out of 3,530 likely voters surveyed, an average of 48 percent favored Vance’s performance compared to 46 percent who favored Walz.
As expected, prominent political figures from both sides took to the media spin room to rally support for their respective party nominees. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R–N.Y.) declared Vance’s performance as “overwhelming” and “dominating.” On the other hand, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D–N.M.) asserted that Governor Tim Walz emerged victorious by standing strong and defending democracy.
With less than five weeks remaining until Election Day on Nov. 5th and early voting already underway in some states, there are no further presidential debates scheduled for this election cycle.