The vice presidential debate Tuesday night saw both candidates politely hold their own, though a handful of awkward moments from Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., and the moderators sparring with Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attracted meaningful attention.
Moderated by CBS News’ Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell, the debate marked the only planned face-off between Vance and Walz of the 2024 election cycle. Both participants largely answered the moderators’ questions and several moments saw the pair express their agreement with each other in polite exchanges.
But the lopsided fact-checking activities of the moderators against Vance largely eclipsed the policy exchanges between him and Walz, who made a handful of awkward gaffes. Neither candidate, however, landed meaningful hits on the other.
Still, pollster Frank Luntz indicated that his focus group for the debate ultimately broke 12-2 in favor of Vance, with only five leaning toward the Republicans at the start of the debate.
