JD Vance (left), Tim Walz. Official photos.
Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance jabbed and prodded for nearly two hours in their first and, likely, only debate before the 2024 general election next month.
Several topics came up repeatedly, including the transfer of power after the 2020 election — which Vance’s running mate, Donald Trump, has said was stolen from him. Walz says the Jan. 6 insurrection was an unprecedented menace to the democratic system.
Immigration was another hot topic. Vance says illegal immigration is at record levels and is hurting the American economy.
Vance touched briefly on comments about Haitian immigrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, made by his running mate, Donald Trump, even though they have been proven false. Walz says those comments had serious ramifications in that city.
Vance and Walz also disagreed on health care, housing, abortion rights, gun policy as related to education and energy policy.
National polls have shown a tight overall race between the Harris-Walz campaign and Trump-Vance ticket since Kamala Harris replaced sitting President Joe Biden as the Democrat nominee.
The general election is Nov. 5. More information about Tuesday night’s debate, including a fact check of certain questions and answers, is online at abcnews.go.com.
