What's happened
In the only vice presidential debate before the election, JD Vance and Tim Walz presented contrasting visions for America. Vance aimed to polish his image while defending Trump's policies, while Walz criticized the former president's record. Snap polls showed a near tie in perceived debate performance.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Vance's debate performance was seen as a potential turning point, with Trump campaign aides expressing relief at his polished image. In contrast, Walz's approach was to directly challenge Vance on issues like abortion rights, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership. Politico noted that Vance struggled to defend Trump's past actions while attempting to present a coherent vision for the future, highlighting the tension between his past criticisms and current alignment with Trump.
How we got here
The debate on October 1, 2024, was pivotal for both candidates as they sought to solidify their positions ahead of the upcoming election. Vance, previously a critic of Trump, has worked to align himself with the former president's agenda.
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