On Oct. 1, 2024 the vice presidential debate took place in New York City between Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Republican Senator J.D. Vance.
Both candidates made valid arguments and showed prominent leadership qualities yet Tim Walz presented a clear vision for the nation during his performance. He highlighted his track record as Minnesota’s governor, focusing on progressive policies that prioritize social justice, economic equity, and reproductive rights. Throughout the debate, Walz strongly positioned himself as a defender of individual liberties and basic human rights, contrasting with Republican candidate J.D. Vance’s stricter and often misleading assertions.
Walz’s stance on healthcare was a large topic of debate in which he emphasized his commitment to expanding access and protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Walz criticized Vance’s characterization of the ACA as “collapsing,” pointing out that the law had not only endured but provided millions of Americans with health insurance.
Walz’s experience in state-level healthcare reforms gave him a secure foundation to argue for federal policies that ensure affordable coverage, presenting his approach as one that prioritizes citizens’ well-being over corporate interests.
While Vance accused the Harris administration of making contraception less accessible, further leading to the so-called “economic crisis” in the United States, Walz countered these claims, showing his commitment to preserving not only abortion rights but also broader reproductive healthcare in general.
Walz’s approach to immigration also set him apart from his opponent Vance, who petitioned to eliminate programs for legal immigrants, saying they are the leading cause to high housing costs. . The immigration “crisis” in the United States is often a strong focal point for the Republican Party as exemplified by former president Donald Trump’s rallies and past debates. The Republican Party frequently blames the Biden-Harris administration for the increase in immigration, stating that Harris’s policies improved the crisis in the slightest and in fact, have only made matters worse.
Vance’s rhetoric, exaggerating the number of undocumented immigrants in the country and blaming immigration for various economic issues, gave him strong support from the Republican Party. However, Walz countered with a more logical approach; advocating for active immigration reform that balances border security with moral security policies.
While both candidates showed great effort and their concern for the American people, Tim Walz emerged from the debate as a candidate whose policies and morals aim to unite the country rather than divide it.
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