35 days before the elections in the United States, the debate between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance, vice presidential candidates, lit up social networks in the final stretch of the race. The night began with both candidates scrupulously respecting their speaking turns, but soon the exchange became intense. The issues of immigration, environment, economy, Roe v. Wadeand gun violence created an atmosphere of high tension that resonated with every response. In such a close election, great moments like these cannot be ignored.
Vance’s microphone is muted
The moderators made the decision to mute Republican candidate JD Vance’s microphone during the heated immigration debate with his Democratic rival, Governor Tim Walz. This incident occurred after an exchange about immigration, in which Vance attempted to rebut a verification of his claims regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.
JD Vance kept interrupting the moderators when they tried to move on to the next subject, but he wouldn’t stop talking so they had to cut off his mic
“Thank you, senator, for describing the legal process…the audience can’t hear you because your mics are cut.” pic.twitter.com/eSwlhqRJM8
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) October 2, 2024
Walz: “Mind your own damn business.”
This famous quote from Tim Walz resurfaced tonight during the vice presidential debate when the governor of Minnesota addressed the issue of abortion and reproductive rights. This slogan, which has become a fundamental pillar of her campaign, reflects her firm stance against government intervention in personal decisions about reproductive health.
Mind your own damn business. America works best when Americans are left to make their own decisions about their own health and families. pic.twitter.com/IvEY7PHvOX
—The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) October 2, 2024
Trump attacks the moderators
During the debate, Donald Trump did not hold back when criticizing moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brenna, whom he accused of lying when saying that they were not going to do fact check.
Walz: “I have become friends with school shooters”
During the block of gun violence, the Democratic candidate claimed that he had “become friends with school shooters,” a statement that generated thousands of reactions on social media. His comment sought to highlight the need for a deeper dialogue about guns and the impact they have on the country. However, the controversy of his words provoked reactions from his opponents and the public, who questioned the effectiveness of his strategy on an issue that has affected thousands of Americans.
Vance: “Tim, I’m focused on the future”
During the debate, Tim Walz pressed JD Vance with a direct question:
—Did Donald Trump lose the 2020 elections?
Instead of answering clearly, Vance avoided commenting on the past and responded:
— Tim, I’m focused on the future
This evasive response was exploited by Walz, who did not hesitate to point out: “That is a damning non-answer,” underlining his opponent’s lack of commitment to addressing the result of the previous election.
JD Vance evades question about family separation crisis
The Republican avoided directly answering the question about whether the mass deportations, promised by Donald Trump, would separate families. Vance diverted attention by blaming the Democratic Administration. “We already have massive family separations thanks to Kamala’s open borders policy,” Vance said, attacking the vice president.
Tim Walz mentions Bernie Sanders, Dick Cheney and Taylor Swift
At the close of the debate, Tim Walz made a reference that quickly went viral by mentioning a broad coalition of supporters that included Bernie Sanders, Dick Cheney and Taylor Swift. This mention was particularly notable since she was wearing “friendship bracelets” popularized by the singer on her wrist, which further emphasized Swift’s recent endorsement of the Democratic candidacy for the November 5 elections.
Tim Walz shouts out Taylor Swift during the VP debate:
“I’m as surprised as anybody of this coalition Kamala Harris has built. From Bernie Sanders, to Dick Cheney, to Taylor Swift.” pic.twitter.com/UAB0nIKzgV
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) October 2, 2024
JD Vance Pronounces Kamala Correctly
The Republican was consistent in pronouncing Kamala Harris’ name correctly during the debate, something notable to many viewers. This action becomes relevant because, in the past, some Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have deliberately pronounced Kamala’s name incorrectly, which has been interpreted by Democrats as a sign of disrespect.