Who Won the VP Debate, Vance or Walz? Newsweek Readers’ Verdicts

Vice-presidential nominees Tim Walz and JD Vance squared off against each other in New York on Tuesday night in what looks likely to have been the last TV debate of the 2024 election.
It was an opportunity for Vance, the Republican candidate, to sell the “Make America Great Again” message, following a Sept. 10 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump which was widely seen as a resounding victory for the Vice President.
Walz, the Democrat nominee, stuck to the center. Like Vance, he managed to avoid gaffes or personal attacks.
In a more civil, policy-focused debate than witnessed between the two presidential candidates, the topics of discussion were largely fueled by recent events, such as Hurricane Helene and geopolitical upheaval in the Middle East.
In an online poll we asked ‘Who won the Oct. 01 vice presidential debate?’. Thousands of readers took part, with Vance landing a healthy majority of the votes. But readers of varying persuasions wrote to share their thoughts, shining a light on each candidate’s successes – or failures – in cutting through. Here is a selection of those comments, lightly edited for clarity. The result of the poll is at the end of this article.
JD Vance was pushing Walz’s buttons which fueled Tim’s ego. But JD actually answered the questions. But Tim actually admitted that he lied about China which will probably hurt him in the long run. Walz really didn’t answer a lot of the questions and was on his note pad a lot. JD, however, was looking at the camera while he was talking and was looking directly at Walz when Tim was talking. But I will say, I am really glad both candidates showed respect for each other! Ryan Arnold
Clearly he was the most authentic. He spoke truthfully about issues the American people are concerned with. He may have dodged questions or spoke around accusations that he has, in the past embellished, but we all do that to some extent. I think people tend to have an “Awww but look at the childhood he had” when it comes to Vance. He’s still backing someone who tried to overthrow our government. Jennifer K Thessin
Vance came in strong and throughout the whole debate remained strong while Walz came in nervous and fumbled throughout. A key point was when they were both asked about previous remarks. Walz was asked about his previous remarks about visiting China and attempted to change the question but was asked for a clear answer and fumbled. Vance made his stance clear with Trump and admitted he was mistaken. In the end Vance won because he stayed strong throughout the debate. Luke Baker
JD Vance was succinct in his response to every question, showed enthusiasm for his probable role as Vice President of the United States and was very honest and respectful throughout the entire debate. Walz was disoriented, nervous and came across as defensive throughout the debate. That does not inspire confidence in him as a probable candidate for Vice Presidency. Allyson Wood
Vance wouldn’t answer if he thought Trump won the 2020 election. Walz answered more questions in a straightforward manner while Vance danced around the answers because he knows what he’s said is making him unlikable and he didn’t want to seem that ugly or hateful. Also, Walz is obviously for the American people and Vance is obviously for Trump. Stacie Townsend
Ok, so the reason I believe Tim Walz won this debate was because he was able to stay calm and collected. He was hurled with misinformation from Senator Vance throughout this debate and stood his ground. He also made some strong points, but I personally feel he should have used those moments to call Vance out. Michael Sanderson
He made sense and explained Trump’s plans and why they would work. Also pointed out Kamala’s weaknesses and lack of success thus far.Elizabeth Elwell
Vance’s knowledge of policy was unwavering and articulate. In thinking if the VP became President, Vance would be serious, brilliant & well-respected. He clearly has Americans’ best interests at heart, wants to make life better for America and I love his position on illegal immigration. Bobbye J. Croell
He looked calm and unflappable, did not bite on some flagrant and verifiably false claims by Walz and the moderators, properly pointed out Harris’s failures during her term so far without going overboard and insulting, proved he was the right pick for VP and is a phenomenal debater. Nate Beitel
Vance would not admit that Trump lost 2020 and Vance reacted very poorly when the Haitian immigrants were brought up. I wasn’t pleased with Walz’s issue regarding his visits to China, but that is a much smaller offense in my mind than Vance’s offenses. Jeanne Bernards
JD Vance was 100% truthful, highly confident and extremely professional. Every thing JD Vance said was an actual answer to the questions and was beneficial for the American people. JD Vance is very confident, successful, intelligent and professional! Nadynne Suderman
Tim Walz exposed Vance as an election denier and a person who only selectively cares about freedom and democracy. Walz laid out coherent plans and showed his values are in alignment with modern America. Richard Marriott
Senator Vance addressed the Trump plans, the governor addressed what he did in Minnesota. Too bad that he isn’t the democratic nominee. He would still lose but it would be a tough choice for everyone. Jeffery L. Draper
He showed that not only can he control a situation, he can do it without getting edgy or flustered. He spoke about what I believe is important to the American people at this time. Travis Daubs
Walz sounded more experienced with politics and his arguments were solid. Vance is a chameleon and said what he thought people wanted to hear. I think he came off as dishonest. Susan Erickson
Vance was the better orator. Walz communicates and resembles too closely to a soon-to-be Biden, something that the American people are trying to get away from currently. Kim Valentine
JD Vance killed it out there tonight. He put Tim Walz where he needs to stand. Which is to stand down because he has absolutely no idea of what’s going on in the world. Tyler Boatwright
His answers had more substance and better policy answers. JD Vance was louder and more confident, but if you parse his answers, he lacked substance and facts. May Mitchell
Vance effectively laid out clear plans that will address this horrible economy, illegal immigration, and – the biggie! – bringing jobs back to the USA! Toni McGhee
Tim talked about issues and stuck to his campaign message. Vance sounded normal but failed to paint a dark nation about to collapse like his boss paints. Kilonzo Musau
Walk spoke truth, policy, and for the people. Vance deflected and lied although he was better (more human and polite) than I thought he could be. Shaina Terrell
If you cannot see the poll above, the results to the question ‘Who Won the Vice Presidential Debate?’ were as follows:
JD Vance: 11,316
Tim Walz: 7,225
The poll was conducted online on October 1-2, 2024.