Vice Presidential Debate Live Updates: Vance accuses Democrats of 'radical pro-abortion' stance

JD Vance addressed his previous criticisms of former President Donald Trump at the vice presidential debate, saying that he was "wrong about Donald Trump.” His remarks come as he now stands as Trump’s running mate on the Republican ticket, a significant shift from his earlier stance.

As the debate shifted to childcare, Governor Tim Walz stated that the duration of paid leave for new parents is "negotiable," highlighting Kamala Harris's commitment to prioritising paid family leave. Senator JD Vance responded by suggesting there is bipartisan support for a family care model that addresses the pressures faced by young families, particularly young women. The discussion then moved to healthcare, with Walz accusing Trump of attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and asserting that this would jeopardise millions' access to healthcare, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. Walz expressed amusement at Trump's assertion of having a replacement plan for Obamacare, claiming it reminded him of a fourth-grade classroom. He further argued that Vance's stance seeks to revert to a system where healthy individuals pay less, while older individuals or those with pre-existing conditions face higher costs or lack coverage entirely.

Senator JD Vance claimed that a prominent economic analysis from the Federal Reserve supports his assertion that immigration drives up housing costs. While he did not provide specific details, he was likely referencing a May 2024 blog post by Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Kashkari noted that the long-term effects of immigration on inflation remain "unclear," but acknowledged that immigrants need housing, which coincides with rising prices. Although some economists recognize potential upward pressure on home prices in certain markets due to immigration, the prevailing view is that the primary issue is a lack of housing supply. Fed Chair Jerome Powell highlighted that high mortgage rates discourage homeowners from listing their properties, exacerbating the supply shortage.

Democrats have criticized Donald Trump's statement in a recent debate about having "concepts of a plan" to replace the Affordable Care Act. However, his running mate, Senator JD Vance, defended the phrasing, suggesting that presenting a detailed plan on stage would "bore everybody to tears." Vance also highlighted that some of his relatives obtained private health insurance for the first time and transitioned from Medicaid during Trump’s presidency, underscoring the administration's impact on healthcare choices.

Minnesota governor Tim Walz faced scrutiny for inaccurate claims about being in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Reports reveal he was in Nebraska at the time. Admitting his mistake, Walz clarified he only arrived in China that summer. He acknowledged the error, attributing it to getting caught up in rhetoric.

During the debate on abortion care and reproductive rights, Governor Tim Walz referenced the case of Amber Thurman, a Georgia woman who died after being unable to access abortion care in her state. Walz argued that had Thurman lived in Minnesota, where he is governor, she "would be alive today" and called for the reinstatement of Roe v Wade. Senator JD Vance opposed a national abortion ban, advocating for states to make their own decisions. Citing Ohio’s referendum protecting abortion rights, Vance stressed the need to regain public trust, while promising that a Trump administration would support pro-family policies and lower childcare costs.

During the debate, JD Vance inaccurately claimed that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill allowing doctors to withhold lifesaving care from infants who survive botched late-term abortions. In reality, the 2023 bill Walz signed updated language about the care of newborns, requiring medical personnel to provide care for "an infant who is born alive." Both the updated and previous versions of the law ensure that infants born alive are fully protected under the law. Infanticide remains illegal in all states, including Minnesota, and the bill does not alter that legal standard.

The ongoing Middle East crisis became the central issue at vice-presidential debate on Tuesday (local time), with Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance offering starkly contrasting views on US foreign policy and the leadership needed to navigate the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Governor Tim Walz took aim at Donald Trump during a debate on reproductive rights, criticising his appointment of a conservative justice, which paved the way for the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade. Walz also raised concerns about Project 2025, a plan by the conservative Heritage Foundation, alleging it includes the creation of a federal pregnancy monitoring agency. His comments come as Democrats continue to rally voters around the issue of reproductive rights, positioning it as a critical concern for the upcoming election.

Governor Tim Walz addressed inconsistencies regarding his previous statements about being in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 1989. When questioned about discrepancies, Walz admitted that he sometimes gets "caught up in the rhetoric" when speaking. Pressed further by moderators, he clarified that he was in Hong Kong and China during the pro-democracy protests and that the experience had a significant impact on him. This comes as scrutiny intensifies over his military service claims and past remarks.

Senator JD Vance defended Donald Trump’s economic plan, dismissing criticisms from experts as lacking "common sense." During a discussion on the economy and deficit concerns, Vance argued that Vice-President Kamala Harris has had the opportunity to make changes but hasn’t. He claimed that criticisms of Trump's plan, which analysts say could increase the deficit, come from those with PhDs who lack practical insight. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz countered by accusing Trump of tax evasion and mishandling the pandemic, which he says contributed to the economic challenges Harris inherited. Vance, however, insisted that "common sense" solutions, like Trump's, are needed over expert advice.

CBS News Moderator Norah O’Donnell cited estimates from the Penn Wharton Budget Model to argue that both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s campaigns would increase the budget deficit. Although the model is well-regarded, it did not account for certain revenue-generating policies proposed by Harris that would keep the deficit within current projections. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz supported Harris’s plan to build 3 million homes, stating it would promote wealth-building and affordability. Meanwhile, Ohio Sen. JD Vance advocated for Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, asserting they would better support economic growth.

Senator JD Vance voiced support for Donald Trump's proposed plan to carry out mass deportations if re-elected. Vance emphasized that the priority under a Trump administration would be to deport migrants with criminal records. Trump has vowed to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, surpassing the 432,000 deportations under Barack Obama in 2013. This time, Trump intends to invoke wartime powers to circumvent legal hurdles and work with governors to deploy National Guard forces to assist in the operation.

Vance targeted Kamala Harris administration, accusing it of providing Iran with the funds to buy weapons being used in the attack.

"We have to remember, as much as governor Walz just accused Trump of being an agent of chaos, Donald Trump actually delivered stability in the world and he did it by establishing effective deterrence. People were afraid of stepping out of line. Iran which launched this attack has received over a $100 billion in unfrozen assets thanks to the Kamala Harris administration. They use this money to buy weapons that they are launching now against our allies and God forbid potentially launching against United States as well," Vance said.

Ohio Senator JD Vance has been consistently attributing a range of issues—ranging from Middle East conflicts to border crises—to the "Kamala Harris administration." His rhetoric appears to sidestep the fact that Joe Biden is the sitting US president, typically the figure associated with such criticism. Despite this oversight, Vance's approach effectively links key challenges to Vice-President Harris, a strategy that could resonate with voters.

“I was raised in a working-class family. My mother required food assistance for periods of her life. My grandmother required Social Security help to raise me, and she raised me in part because my own mother and mother struggled with addiction for a big chunk of my own life. I went to college on the GI bill after I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq, and so I stand here asking to be your vice president with extraordinary gratitude for this country, for the American Dream that made it possible for me to live my dreams", Vance starts debate with personal pitch for vice president post.

"When our allies see Donald Trump turn towards Vladimir Putin, turn towards North Korea, when we start to see that type of fickleness about holding the coalitions together, we will stay committed" Walz said.

"The person closest to Donald Trump, said he is unfit for highest office, that was Senator Vance. What we have seen out of Vice President Kamala Harris is we have seen steady leadership, we have seen calmness that is able to draw on the coalitions to bring them together, understanding that our allies matter…and as the Vice President said today, we will protect our forces and our allied forces and there will be consequences," Walz on how coalitions will look like under Harris.

"Let’s keep in mind where this started, October 7, Hamas terrorists massacred over 1400 Israelis and took prisoners. Israel’s ability to defend itself is absolutely fundamental, getting hostages back, fundamental and ending humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But the expansion of Israel and its proxies is an absolute fundamental necessity for US after steady leadership there. You saw it experience today, where along with Israeli coalition, were able to stop the incoming attack. What is fundamental here is, that steady leadership is going to matter. It’s clear and the world saw on that debate stage a few weeks ago, a nearly 80-year old Donald Trump talking about crowd sizes is not what we need at this moment." Tim Walz on Israel's defence.

Cultural issues have been central to both campaigns. Walz has focused on abortion rights, framing it as a matter of personal freedom and privacy, while Vance has struggled with past remarks that alienated some conservatives. Meanwhile, Vance has doubled down on immigration and border security as key issues, attacking the Harris-Walz ticket for its approach to the migrant crisis. How these issues are handled in the debate could sway undecided voters in key battleground states.

With no muted microphones and the potential for lively exchanges, the final vice-presidential debate of 2024 will offer voters a last look at the policies and personalities that could shape the election’s outcome. Both Walz and Vance will aim to solidify support for their respective tickets while avoiding any missteps that could shift momentum in the closing weeks of the race.

Vance’s personal story—growing up in a struggling working-class family and overcoming hardships—helped propel him to national fame. However, his past criticisms of Trump, including comparing him to Adolf Hitler, have cast a shadow over his alliance with the former president. Vance’s ability to reintroduce his personal narrative in a way that resonates with voters, while addressing these past controversies, could be a defining moment.

Both Walz and Vance are known for their quick wit and strong communication skills. Walz, often portrayed as a friendly “Midwestern dad” with a disarming style, has leveraged this persona to appeal to voters. His ability to connect personally, coupled with his relatable background as a former football coach, has been a key asset for the Harris campaign.

On the other hand, Vance, who rose to national prominence with his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has often adopted a more combative and hardline tone, particularly on conservative media platforms. However, he has also demonstrated a more polished and thoughtful presence during television interviews and previous debates, which he will need to emphasize on Tuesday. How effectively these personas play out could influence undecided voters.

The last vice-presidential debate of the 2024 campaign cycle, between Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, is set to take place Tuesday. While it may lack the high-profile sizzle of last month’s presidential clash between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, it still holds the potential to influence the final stretch of the race.

For both campaigns, this debate is an opportunity to reinforce the central messages of their top candidates, with Walz and Vance expected to defend the policy visions of Harris and Trump.

Both candidates are expected to deliver pointed attacks on each other’s tickets. Walz has branded the Trump-Vance team as “weird,” criticizing their focus on divisive cultural issues rather than mainstream concerns. Vance, meanwhile, has labeled Harris and Walz as “dangerously liberal,” criticizing their policies on crime and immigration.

The effectiveness of these lines of attack will be a key takeaway from the debate. Walz’s strategy of presenting the Republican ticket as out of touch could resonate with moderate voters, while Vance’s portrayal of Harris and Walz as extreme liberals may energize conservative supporters.

While vice presidential debates rarely determine election outcomes, they have been marked by notable and sometimes defining moments in modern U.S. political history. Here are a few key highlights from past debates:

1988: The "Kennedy" moment

In one of the most famous exchanges, Dan Quayle, running as George H.W. Bush's vice presidential candidate, drew comparisons between himself and the late President John F. Kennedy. Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, who was Michael Dukakis' running mate, responded with a line that has echoed through political history: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

2008: Palin’s Folksy style

During the debate between Sarah Palin, John McCain's Republican running mate, and Joe Biden, who ran with Barack Obama, the atmosphere was lively yet civil. Palin adopted a colloquial style, at one point saying, "Aw, say it ain't so, Joe," to Biden, adding a "doggone it" for good measure. The debate touched on critical issues like the economy and the war in Iraq, with both candidates demonstrating contrasting approaches.

2020: The fly that stole the show

One of the most unexpected moments in the 2020 vice presidential debate between then-Vice President Mike Pence and Kamala Harris occurred when a stray housefly landed on Pence’s head. The fly momentarily became the star of the debate, creating a social media buzz. The debate itself saw Pence defending the Trump administration's record, while Harris, then running with Joe Biden, challenged the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other key issues.

As Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Republican US Senator JD Vance of Ohio prepare to take the stage for their debate on Tuesday, they continue a long-standing American tradition. Vice presidential debates have, over the years, produced some unforgettable moments, shaping public perception of candidates just weeks before pivotal elections. This year's debate comes ahead of the November 5 election, where both Walz and Vance aim to support their running mates—Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Both camps have been preparing intensely for this encounter. Walz has rehearsed with US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has been playing the role of Vance in practice debates. Vance, meanwhile, has enlisted the help of Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer to mimic Walz during his prep sessions.

Despite Vance's national fame from his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, polling suggests that Walz is viewed more favorably by voters. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 51% of voters hold an unfavorable view of Vance, compared to 39% who view him positively, while Walz maintains a more balanced split with 44% viewing him favorably and 43% unfavorably.

With this debate being the last major platform for both candidates before the election, it will serve as a crucial moment for Walz and Vance to sway undecided voters and strengthen support in key battleground states.

The debate will likely be marked by sharp attacks. Walz is expected to challenge Vance over his 2021 comments, where he labeled Harris and other Democrats as "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives." Additionally, Walz may bring up Vance’s role in spreading a false story about Haitian immigrants in Ohio, a claim that has been linked to local bomb threats.

On the other hand, Vance is prepared to press Walz on his handling of the Minneapolis riots following George Floyd’s death and the Biden-Harris administration’s policies on immigration and the economy. Vance’s team is also expected to raise questions about Walz’s military service, accusing him of inflating his rank during his time in the Army National Guard.

Both candidates are expected to defend their top-of-the-ticket candidates—Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump—as they square off in what analysts expect to be a heated debate. With early voting ramping up across the country, this event offers a rare opportunity for voters to see both men in direct confrontation.

Trump, who has promised a play-by-play commentary of the debate on social media, and Harris, who won her 2020 debate with Mike Pence, are expected to watch the debate closely. The result of the debate is unlikely to shift the election drastically, according to presidential historian Thomas Alan Schwartz, who remarked, "I can't think of any of them that seemed to have made a real difference in the election."

Walz, a 60-year-old liberal governor and former high school teacher, and Vance, a 40-year-old bestselling author and conservative senator, both hail from the Midwest but present starkly different visions for the country. Walz has often ridiculed his Republican opponents, labeling them as "weird," while Vance has stirred controversy with his comment referring to some Democrats as "childless cat ladies."

Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Republican Senator JD Vance will face off in a high-stakes vice presidential debate on Tuesday, the only such encounter before the US election on November 5. The 90-minute debate, hosted at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, will be broadcast live as the two candidates make their final arguments to voters.