Introduction

The 2024 U.S. vice-presidential debate, held on October 1, 2024, in New York, brought together two prominent figures: Democratic Senator J.D. Vance and Democratic Governor Tim Walz. With the presidential election just weeks away, this debate presented a crucial opportunity for both candidates to outline their parties’ visions and address significant national and international issues. The debate revolved around domestic policies, U.S.-China relations, and key social topics like immigration, healthcare, and abortion.

Immigration: A Core Debate Topic

One of the most pressing issues discussed during the debate was immigration. J.D. Vance, who is running alongside Donald Trump, directed much of his criticism at Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting her role in what he described as the Biden administration’s failure to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Vance argued that current immigration policies have led to chaos at the border, contributing to a strain on national resources. He accused the Biden-Harris administration of being weak on enforcement and failing to protect American interests.

In contrast, Tim Walz, running with President Joe Biden, offered a more diplomatic stance. Drawing on his experience living in Taiwan in the 1980s and 90s, Walz emphasized the importance of engaging in diplomacy to solve immigration and international issues rather than relying solely on enforcement. He stressed the need for balanced and humane immigration policies that uphold American values while securing the border.

U.S.-China Relations: Diverging Perspectives

The U.S.-China relationship was another key focus of the debate. J.D. Vance praised the tariffs imposed on China during Trump’s administration, even acknowledging that the Biden administration had maintained some of those policies. Vance argued that Biden’s environmental policies have increased reliance on Chinese-manufactured solar panels and renewable energy parts, a trend that Vance said has negatively impacted American manufacturing jobs.

Tim Walz, however, took a more critical view of Trump’s trade policies. He labeled the trade war with China as harmful to the U.S. economy, claiming it failed to deliver long-term benefits. Walz argued that careful diplomacy, rather than aggressive trade measures, is essential to maintaining stable international relations and fostering economic growth.

Abortion Rights: A Divisive Issue

Abortion rights emerged as one of the most heated topics during the debate. J.D. Vance admitted that the Republican Party has lost support among many Americans due to its hardline stance on abortion. Nevertheless, he maintained his opposition to the practice, accusing Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party of pushing an agenda that he claimed is out of touch with American values.

On the other hand, Tim Walz strongly defended reproductive rights, emphasizing his commitment to protecting women’s right to choose. Walz argued that the government should not interfere in intimate healthcare decisions, framing abortion as a matter of personal freedom and healthcare.

Crime and Public Safety: Competing Visions

Crime and public safety were also discussed, with both candidates presenting starkly different views. J.D. Vance criticized current policies, suggesting that they have undermined law enforcement and contributed to rising crime rates in major cities. He pointed to the need for stronger policing measures to restore order and protect communities.

Tim Walz defended his record as governor of Minnesota, where he has implemented criminal justice reforms while prioritizing public safety. He emphasized the importance of balancing safety with reforms that ensure fair and just policing practices.

Energy and Environment: Balancing Economic and Environmental Goals

Energy policy was another area of contention. J.D. Vance aligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda, arguing that Biden’s environmental policies overly depend on Chinese-manufactured renewable energy components, harming American workers. He promoted energy policies that prioritize domestic production and job creation.

Tim Walz, however, underscored the need for a balanced approach that addresses environmental challenges while also supporting job growth. He highlighted the importance of clean energy initiatives that align with environmental sustainability and economic opportunity.

Conclusion: A Debate with Lasting Impact

As the debate concluded, both candidates sought to strengthen their respective presidential tickets. J.D. Vance focused on critiquing the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, emphasizing border security, job creation, and conservative social values. Tim Walz, in contrast, defended the Biden administration’s record, advocating for diplomacy, reproductive rights, and a balanced approach to economic and environmental issues.

With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, this vice-presidential debate could play a pivotal role in shaping voter perceptions and influencing the outcome of the election. Both Vance and Walz demonstrated the stark contrasts between the Republican and Democratic platforms, offering voters clear choices for the future of the United States.