JD Vance debate quotes/ Tim Walz debate quotes/ Vance-Walz debate highlights/ VP debate 2024 quotes/ key moments from VP debate/ Newslooks/ NEW YORK/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a relatively civil and policy-focused vice presidential debate, JD Vance and Tim Walz sparred over key issues such as immigration, abortion, and gun control, while occasionally agreeing on certain points. From sharp rebukes to moments of empathy, here are the most notable quotes from the debate.
Top Quotes from the Vance-Walz VP Debate: Quick Looks
- Moderator’s Control: “Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because the mics are cut.” – Margaret Brennan
- Shared Concerns: “I actually agree with that.” – Walz on housing regulations
- Empathy Shown: “I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy.” – Vance on Walz’s son witnessing gun violence
- Abortion Stances: “Donald Trump put this all into motion.” – Walz on abortion policy
Top Quotes from the 2024 VP Debate Between JD Vance & Tim Walz
Deep Look
The vice presidential debate between Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz featured a mix of pointed critiques and surprising moments of agreement. From immigration to gun control, both candidates delivered memorable lines as they defended their policies and criticized each other’s positions. Below are some of the most notable quotes that encapsulate the tone and substance of the debate.
Heated Moments and Moderator Intervention
At one point, CBS News moderator Margaret Brennan had to step in when Vance and Walz clashed over immigration. As the candidates’ debate over Haitian immigrants in Ohio escalated, Brennan interrupted, saying, “Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because the mics are cut.” The exchange highlighted the tension between the candidates, but the moderator’s comment became a notable moment in controlling the debate’s flow.
Agreement on Housing
Despite the fiery nature of some discussions, there were moments of agreement between Vance and Walz. For instance, both acknowledged issues with housing regulations. Walz responded to Vance’s criticism of regulations limiting housing development with, “I actually agree with that.” It was one of the few times the candidates found common ground, showing the potential for bipartisan cooperation on certain domestic policies.
Empathy and Gun Violence
When Walz shared that his son had witnessed gun violence, Vance responded with genuine empathy, saying, “I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy.” Walz appreciated the gesture, replying, “I appreciate that.” This moment of humanity stood out in a debate often filled with sharp exchanges, providing a rare instance of personal connection between the two candidates.
Walz Addresses Mistakes
Walz addressed the controversy surrounding inaccuracies about his travel history to Hong Kong in 1989, saying, “I’m a knucklehead at times… I misspoke on this.” His willingness to acknowledge mistakes added a touch of humility to his performance, contrasting with the usual debate rhetoric where candidates often avoid admitting errors.
Criticizing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
Throughout the debate, Vance focused much of his criticism on Kamala Harris, noting her role as vice president and arguing that she has not done enough to address issues like affordable housing. “Kamala Harris is not running as a newcomer to politics,” Vance said, challenging her leadership.
On the other hand, Walz took aim at Donald Trump, particularly regarding abortion. “Donald Trump put this all into motion,” Walz said, criticizing Trump for appointing the Supreme Court justices who ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade. Walz highlighted how Trump has shifted responsibility for the fallout of that decision by suggesting it should be left to the states.
Immigration and Gun Control: A Divisive Issue
Walz sharply criticized Vance’s false claims about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, saying, “There’s consequences for this.” He accused Vance of creating stories to vilify legal immigrants and warned that such rhetoric harms communities.
On gun control, Walz pushed back against the notion that mental health alone is to blame for gun violence, saying, “Sometimes it just is the guns. It’s just the guns.” He argued that while protecting the Second Amendment is important, finding real solutions to gun violence is necessary to prevent more tragedies.
Vance, a longtime advocate for pro-family policies, discussed his vision for the Republican Party’s approach to issues surrounding pregnancy and women’s health. “I want us as a Republican Party to be pro-family in the fullest sense of the word,” he said, advocating for better support systems for women and families rather than focusing solely on abortion restrictions.
January 6 and Election Integrity
One of the most contentious issues was the topic of the January 6 Capitol riots and Trump’s continued refusal to accept the 2020 election results. Walz emphasized the power of a president’s words, saying, “A president’s words matter,” as he held Trump responsible for the events leading to the attack on the Capitol. He argued that Trump’s rhetoric and refusal to concede caused deep divisions in American politics.
When asked whether Trump won the 2020 election, Vance avoided directly answering, instead saying, “First of all, I think that we’re focused on the future.” He suggested that any debate over the 2020 election should take place peacefully, underscoring his belief that disputes should be settled through dialogue rather than violence.
Final Thoughts
The debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz was filled with sharp critiques, surprising moments of agreement, and memorable lines on key issues like immigration, gun violence, and abortion. Their performances highlighted the stark differences between the two tickets, while also showcasing the candidates’ ability to engage in civil discourse.
