Vice presidential debate highlights policy discussions and tense exchanges

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The vice presidential debate between Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, took place on Tuesday night, moderated by CBS News’ Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell. This debate marked the only planned face-off between the two vice presidential nominees for the 2024 election cycle. Both candidates addressed various issues, with polite exchanges but moments of tension between Vance and the moderators.

The debate saw a focus on key topics like gun violence, where Walz discussed his changed stance on an assault weapons ban after meeting families of school shooting victims. However, he made an awkward statement, saying, "I've become friends with school shooters," which drew attention. Walz was asked about his past claim to have been in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, though reports indicated otherwise. He acknowledged the error by calling himself a “knucklehead.”

Sen. Vance had tense interactions with the moderators, particularly during discussions about immigration and drug trafficking. He challenged fact-checks made by Brennan on the influx of Haitian migrants in Ohio and the facilitation of illegal immigration through the CBP One app. Vance also pushed back on claims that he had accused Vice President Kamala Harris of enabling drug cartels to use children as drug mules.

The debate, however, left out major policy topics like energy and foreign relations, with only one question about Iran, despite its recent missile launches against Israel. The issues of abortion, climate change, and housing costs were prominently featured, reflecting topics of high concern for Democratic voters.