Washington DC: The US Vice Presidential debate stood out for its surprising civility, as both candidates agreed to disagree ahead of one of the most tightly contested U.S. elections on November 5.
Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz engaged in a respectful exchange that highlighted their differing approaches. It was heartening to see both candidates and their wives exchanging greetings after the debate.
In the US elections, even though the presidential nominees, Harris and Trump, matter more to voters, vice presidential nominees can supplement their agenda. Both nominees did that on debate night.
Vance, representing Trump, displayed a calm demeanour that was different from his usual style and some controversial statements seen during the campaign. He effectively reinforced the key messages of the Trump agenda banking on his superior debating skills. His closing statement was powerful, neatly summarizing the Trump campaign’s main points, even though he seemed stumped by Walz on the question of who won the 2020 elections and Trump’s claims.
In contrast, Governor Walz brought a wealth of data to the table, using well-researched arguments to challenge Vance’s positions on immigration, foreign policy, and energy policy. However, he was at a loss for words when he was fact-checked on his statement about being in Hong Kong when facts emerged that he travelled to China much later; he did admit that he misspoke.
He skillfully wove in essential elements of the Harris agenda, often putting Vance on the back foot.
This debate showcased the delicate balance between style and substance in politics. Vance’s newfound strategic calm, paired with Walz’s strong arguments, created a lively dialogue that was in contrast to the bitter Presidential debate and the deeply divided political climate.
As the campaign unfolds and the impact of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the escalation of the war in the Middle East trickles into the election arithmetic, the final dash with the voters will be crucial, while there was no clear winner for once it was good to see a ray of bipartisan civility missing in US politics that sparkled on this debate night.
