‘More confident, more direct, and more engaged’: JD Vance won the VP debate

“Walz seemed nervous and misspoke on a few issues. Vance was composed and humble,” one reader said.

Vice presidential nominees Tim Walz and JD Vance went head-to-head Tuesday night in the first (and what is expected to be the last) VP debate ahead of the November election, but only one candidate came out on top, Boston.com readers said: JD Vance.

The debate between the Democratic Minnesota Governor and Republican Ohio Senator was largely civil, offering a “refreshing change” from previous debates in the 2024 election season, several readers said. Walz and Vance focused on policy and campaign differences (as well as similarities) between their platforms, while presenting themselves to Americans across the country.

They discussed immigration, abortion, climate change, and more, and directed much of their criticisms not toward each other but toward the opposing presidential candidates. Some tough questions were dodged or replied with non-answers, such as Walz’s direct question of whether Trump indeed lost the 2020 election – Vance did not answer the question. Likewise, when Walz was asked if he’d support a preemptive strike by Israel against Iran, he deflected and praised Harris’ foreign policy leadership.

When we asked Boston.com readers who won the debate, just over half (51%) of the more than 930 respondents to our poll said Vance was the victor. Thirty-six percent of readers said Walz won, with just 8% voting for neither and 5% uncertain of the winner.

Who do you think won the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance?

Tim Walz

36%

337

JD Vance

51%

473

Neither VP nominee

8%

70

I don't know

5%

51

Among the readers who voted in Vance’s favor, many said he appeared more confident and well-spoken than Walz, who admitted to “misspeaking” during the debate. The slips-ups included Walz saying at one point that he had “become friends with school shooters,” and inaccurately stating that he was in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Below, readers share their reasoning behind their VP debate winner pick.

Some responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Who do you think won the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance?

JD Vance won

“Vance was articulate, well-prepared and mostly cordial in his delivery. He’s newer to the political scene than Walz, yet his goals of immigration control and American economic success aren’t that different from those of Walz and company, who stumbled and made himself look [less] than the polished politician America needs.” – Chris, Raynham

“I thought Vance had better command of the issues even if I didn’t agree with him on all of them.” – Peter L., Dorchester

“​​More confident, more direct and more engaged. But it was a solid debate by both men – a refreshing change!” – Dave, Winthrop

“Vance had a solid plan to seal the border. Plus the ‘peace through strength argument,’ allowing the states and the people of each state to decide on abortion laws. Vance demonstrated much more confidence and displayed a fluid delivery, very intelligent answers and was better under pressure. Vance’s stance on less government control and censorship was a good point that I agree with and his stance on tax policy. He did a good job of focusing on the future vs the past. Waltz looked very nervous and stumbled several times and did not answer several questions.” – David R., Wareham

“Vance was far more prepared … Walz at one point was so nervous he even said ‘I’ve made friends with school shooters.’ Vance seemed to be more comfortable letting the voters see who he is, not a character of who he is, which was what Walz seemed to attempt. I’d give Vance a B+ and Walz a C-.” – Kenneth P., Dartmouth

“Walz seemed nervous and misspoke on a few issues. Vance was composed and humble. He came across as a family man who, like Trump, loves this country and wants to see it progress.” – Vivian W., Ocala, Florida

Tim Walz won

“Vance was slick and polished and clearly worked on trying to come across as more empathetic … Walz was not as smooth talking, but he came across as very genuine and truly caring about people and the country.” – Susan G., Wellesley

“Walz nailed it with the Jan. 6 question … Vance also twisted his answers to avoid replying, dodging rather than providing solid information. He kept bringing up other irrelevant points, rather than dealing directly. Also, his ‘warm’ approach claiming common ground felt extremely phony. Based on his past comments on subjects ranging from immigration to abortion and so on, he acted like Walz was a colleague with shared perspectives. They are not.” – Pat, Cambridge

“I think both candidates had strong and weak moments, but when scoring at home, remember this debate was for the undecided voters in swing states and I think Tim [Walz’s] relatability resonates with a good chunk of those voters.” – Barry L., Minneapolis, Minnesota (formerly of Sharon)

“Candidate Walz came across as genuine, sincere, honest and looked like someone that could help bring dignity back to our country.” – Mary L., Cambridge

“[Walz] was accurate in his representations; Vance had a hard time defending the indefensible views Trump has aired. Vance could not honestly answer the question of whether Trump lost the last election. Walz has more experience to draw from, though Vance argued better than I thought he could.” – Cynthia W., North Shore

“[Walz’s] heart-fell answer on abortion was better. JD Vance’s refusing to acknowledge January 6th and Trump’s loss is disqualifying.” – Bernie A., Charlestown

Neither VP nominee won

“Respectful night head to head. Roundhouse broad attacks on the other presidential nominee. Each candidate had highs and lows. Vance came across as more likable and reasonable than in past appearances in public. Walz remained down to earth but refocused arguments on actual policy issues.” – Peter D., Northampton, New Hampshire

“Vance came off as more polished but avoided telling the truth several times. Walz stumbled at times. He seemed more real and somebody that was more relatable than his opponent. I call that a draw.” – Joe C., Acton

“I thought both effectively presented the position of their candidate. Would not give an edge to either.” – Allen B., Bellingham

“They both had strong and weak moments. My takeaway was the decency toward each other and the supposed desire to work together and see commonalities. That is how it should be! You would never see this kind of behavior out of Trump. He’s incapable of the kind of behavior Vance exhibited tonight.” – Mandy F., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania