RECAP: JD Vance and Tim Walz square off in US vice presidential debate
The two men vying to be the next vice president of the US have gone head-to-head in what is likely the last debate of the election campaign.
Republican JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, debated Democrat Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ VP pick live on CBS.
Ms Harris was widely viewed as the winner in her only debate with Mr Trump on September 10, which made this debate crucial for Republicans.
Ms Harris’ successes, something Mr Trump disputes, followed a catastrophic first debate for the Democrats, with US President Joe Biden forced to stand down as the Democratic nominee not long after his performance.
Walz, 60, a liberal governor and former high school teacher, and Vance, 40, a bestselling author and conservative firebrand senator, portrayed themselves as sons of America’s Midwestern heartland but polar opposites on the issues gripping the US.
Things could have got ugly, but the two candidates were surprisingly, even uncharacteristically kind to each other.
There were uncomfortable stumbles from both Mr Vance and Mr Walz, but for two candidates who are happy to walk about from times they have “misspoken” and not be held to their word, they might not sweat it.
Scroll through the updates below to catch up on the biggest moments.
Key Events
Tim Walz reminds viewers that Trump thinks climate change is a hoax
“Donald Trump called it a hoax,” Mr Walz said speaking to climate change.
Mr Walz spoke about he is the co-chair of the council of governors and workes with their emergency responders.
“We have seen massive investments, the biggest in global history in the Inflation Reduction Act creating jobs across the country,” Mr Walz said.
“Taking the easy technology and making it here. The largest solar manufacturing plant in North America since in the Cider but my farmers know climate is real.”
Climate change and Hurricane Helene
Moderators highlighted that seven in 10 Americans favour the US taking steps to try to reduct climate change.
Hurricane Helene has recently caused unprecidented carnage in the southeast of the US, with scientists saying climate change is making these storms worse.
“We want a robust and aggressive federal responses as we can get to save as many lives as possible and afterwards to help the people in those communities rebuild,” Mr Vance said.
“The answer is reasure as much American manufacturing (as possible) and produce as much energy possible in the US because we are the cleanest economy in the entire world.
“What have Kamala Harris policies lead to?
“Production in China, manufacturing overseas, more doing business in some of the dirtiest parts of the entire world.”
‘I want to answer the question’, Vance starts with confidence
“I want to answer the question,” Mr Vance said, highlighting Mr Walz did not.
“Tim Walz accused Donald Trump of being an agent of chaos, he actually delivered stability by using effective deterrence. People were afraid of stepping out of line.”
“You asked about a preemptive strike.
“It is up to Israel what they think they need to do to keep their country safe.
“(We) support our allies wherever they are when they are fighting the bad guys and that is the right approach to take.”
The first topic: Lebanon
After the escalation in the Middle East over the past 24 hours, candidates were asked, if they had the final say if they would support a pre-emptive strike on Iran by Israel.
Vice presidental candidate Mr Walz is up first.
“This started on October 7. Hamas terrorists massacred over 1400 Israelis and took prisoners. Israel’s ability to be able to defend itself is fundamental,” Mr Walz said.
Mr Walz went on to criticise former President Donald Trump and did not clarrify if he would support the strike.
Let’s get started
The debate is being hosted on CBS.
Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will moderate the debate.
The rules
Questions will be directed at one candidate who will have two minutes to respond.
The other candidate will be allowed two minutes for rebuttal.
Then each candidate will have another minute to make further points.
The moderator is to facilitate and enforce the rules and also allow candidates to fact check claims.
CBS News reserves the right to mute microphones.
Questions have not be shared with either campaign.
We are moments away from the US vice-presidential debate
Republican Senator JD Vance from Ohio and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are preparing to take to the stage.
We can expect to hear about Mr Vance’s claim that Haitians were eating pets in Springfield, about Mr Walz’s exaggerations about his time with the military.
Global tensions are also expected to be a major focus after a brutal 24-hours of escalations in the Middle East.
