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.

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.
ABCNews logo
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.
Oct 02, 2024, 3:37 AM GMT

Walz grabs a slice of pizza after the debate

Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz were seen grabbing some food at a local pizzeria near CBS Studios following the debate.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz (L) visit Justino's Pizzeria after the VP debate on October 1, 2024 in New York City.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz (L) visit Justino's Pizzeria after the VP debate on October 1, 2024 in New York City.
ABCNews logo
Oct 02, 2024, 3:31 AM GMT

Biden, Trump react to debate

Following the debate, President Joe Biden said Walz proved he "has what it takes" to be the vice president.

"Trust me, I know what a good vice president looks like," Biden wrote on X. "Tonight's debate made it clear my friend @Tim_Walz has what it takes."

Former President Donald Trump said his running mate "crushed it" on his social media platform, and his campaign said Vance "perfectly articulated" the case for a second Trump administration.

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Oct 02, 2024, 3:03 AM GMT

Candidates shake hand again

Vance and Walz shook hands again after delivering their closing statements and remained on the debate stage chatting with each other briefly before being joined by their respective spouses.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and his wife Usha Vance and and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and his wife Usha Vance and and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz.
ABCNews logo
Oct 02, 2024, 3:01 AM GMT

Vance attacks Harris in closing statement

Vance ended the night with a closing statement focusing on Harris' policies.

The senator blamed Harris' policies for higher energy costs, housing costs and other goods.

"We need change. We need a new direction. We need a president who has already done this once before and did it well," he said.