WASHINGTON – In a marked shift from the usual personal attacks in presidential debates, JD Vance and Tim Walz engaged in a substantive policy debate during their vice-presidential face-off in New York last night.

Vance emerged as the stronger candidate, but the moderators, the Midwest, and the rare instances of bipartisanship also stood out as significant winners in the 90-minute discussion.

On the other hand, Walz struggled to convey his ideas, appeared somewhat rigid, and made several errors during the debate. Springfield, Ohio, which was mentioned multiple times, and the potential Republican candidates for the 2028 election also seemed to take a hit, as they will be competing against Vance for the mantle of Trump’s successor.

While vice-presidential debates don’t usually shift voter opinions, in a tightly contested race between Harris and Trump, every detail is crucial.

This encounter, featuring Walz (60) and Vance (40), is anticipated to be the final debate of the 2024 presidential election cycle. Former President Donald Trump has indicated he will abstain from further debates against Vice President Kamala Harris as the election approaches in under 40 days.

Here’s a rundown of the key winners and losers from the debate.

Winners

JD Vance

Heading into the debate, Republicans had set modest expectations for Vance, who faced criticisms for appearing unappealing and awkward in previous appearances. Pre-debate polls suggested that people viewed Vance less favorably than Walz. A Trump advisor even remarked on social media that Walz was a “slick” politician and that he had set a high bar. However, throughout the debate, Vance presented himself as a confident and articulate advocate for Trump’s policies. He notably addressed the sensitive issue of abortion—a challenging topic for Republicans—by framing his evolving stance as a response to the public’s wishes. “We must do a much better job of winning back the trust of the American people, especially on this issue where they feel let down,” Vance stated. He also worked to dispel concerns about his likability through several light-hearted exchanges, showing empathy for Walz when he learned the governor’s son had experienced a traumatic event.

The Midwest

Both candidates represent the heart of America and frequently highlighted their Midwestern roots during the campaign. Vance often shared stories about his challenges in Middletown, Ohio, while Walz discussed his upbringing in a small Nebraska town. This shared background led to many discussions centered around the Midwest during the debate. Vance, for instance, recalled his Appalachian roots when discussing the impact of Hurricane Helene on affected communities, expressing a personal connection to their struggles.

Debate Moderators

CBS moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan made it clear before the debate that they would not fact-check in real-time. Instead, they allowed Walz and Vance to engage directly with each other’s claims. They occasionally provided context, which enriched the dialogue between the candidates. This approach led to a more candidate-focused debate—highlighting the contrasting policies and styles of the vice-presidential candidates. Their questions encouraged discussions on significant issues, including climate change and energy policy, which are rarely addressed in such debates. At the conclusion, Brennan emphasized that the scientific consensus on climate change is well established.

Instances of Bipartisanship

The candidates explored a range of policy topics, from economic strategies to abortion rights, emphasizing areas where collaboration is possible.

During the debate, agendas were discussed, and some areas of potential bipartisan agreement were identified. The term “agree” was mentioned 12 times. The candidates expressed a desire for unity on issues like tackling gun violence in the U.S. and addressing the rising cost of housing. While they differed on specific policy details, acknowledging mutual agreement is a positive sign in a politically divided environment.

Josh Shapiro

Harris’s choice to select Walz as her running mate instead of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro came as a shock to many Democrats nationwide. Shapiro, a popular governor from a critical swing state, seemed like the obvious pick at the time. Since then, Walz has garnered support from some Democratic and swing voters who appreciate his relatable personality. However, some believe Harris missed a significant opportunity by not choosing Shapiro, especially given the competitive nature of her race against Trump. Walz’s underwhelming performance in the debate may bolster the claims of Shapiro’s supporters saying, “I told you so.”

Losers

Walz

Entering the debate with less recognition and a higher approval rating among voters, Walz had more at stake than Vance. He aimed to portray himself as a down-to-earth individual concerned about everyday issues affecting the public. However, he struggled to answer questions and often appeared anxious on stage. A notable mishap occurred when Walz was questioned about his time in China. Reports surfaced just hours before the debate questioning his previous statements about teaching there during the Tiananmen Square protests, leading to doubts about his truthfulness. When pressed for clarification, he admitted he had “misspoken” and referred to himself as “a knucklehead at times.”

Springfield, Ohio

Springfield, Ohio, had another challenging night. Following Trump’s unfounded claims that Haitian migrants in the city were involved in bizarre activities, the area has become a focal point in the U.S. immigration debate. During the debate, both vice presidential candidates referred to Springfield, with Walz accusing Vance of “vilifying” the city, while Vance expressed concern for the American citizens residing there. These remarks are likely to escalate the already heightened tensions in a city of nearly 60,000, which has been dealing with bomb threats in schools and personal threats to residents after recent controversies.

2028 Presidential Aspirants

The 2024 presidential race is not yet concluded, but speculation is already growing regarding candidates for the 2028 election. On the Republican side, Vance has emerged as a likely heir to Trump after being named the former president’s running mate this summer. His calm demeanor during the debate with Walz solidifies his role as a new representative of Trump’s GOP, raising questions about whether other potential Republican candidates for 2028, such as Nikki Haley, Marco Rubio, and Vivek Ramaswamy, can compete with him.