A panel of campaign strategists and election analysts who watched Tuesday night’s cordial vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz give their take on the CBS News forum:
Hank Sheinkopf, Democratic campaign consultant:
“These are the two most boring men in the world. It was slick JD versus cornball Tim.
“Vance did a better job because he hit the places where Democrats were weakest — inflation, costs and the migrant crisis.
“Walz was the candidate of compassion. Vance was more polished.
“Walz got tongue-tied when he talked about the Middle East, but won the exchange on abortion.
“The Democrat’s best moment was when he hit Trump and Vance hard over the January 6 riots
“Vance couldn’t explain child care and was off-base on health care.”
Doug Muzzio, Baruch College public affairs professor emeritus:
“Vance was a smoother speaker, more programmed. Walz was a more authentic speaker.
“Vance is a smooth articulate liar. Didn’t answer any questions; diverted conversation to favorite tropes.
“Walz was awkward, uncomfortable at first. He was shaky, nervous and unsure of himself. But he had the better of the substantive arguments.
“He answered the questions asked. He was warm, human, plain-spoken. He connected with the audience and came off as a capable, honest, likable person.
“Vance had to defend the Jan. 6 riots and didn’t answer the question of whether Biden won the 2020 election. It was a profile in cowardice.”
Rob Ryan, Republican Party strategist:
“Vance was cool, calm, and well-spoken. Walz had rapid eye and head movements that were distracting to the viewer and reminiscent of a groundhog on meth.
“Many of Walz’s responses were disjointed rambles around the block that never really addressed the question. Especially cringe-inducing was Walz’s non-response on where he was when the Tiananmen Square massacre took place.
“Vance displayed an excellent knowledge of policy and knew how to clearly and concisely answer the questions. He never stumbled or made any major gaffe.
“Vance also displayed a laid-back, confident attitude without being nasty or brash, which will soften the opinion of many voters by proving he is actually likeable.
“Walz gets an ‘A’ for effort by fitting Dick Cheney and Taylor Swift endorsements in one sentence during his closing statement.
“Vance was the clear winner, but Waltz survived, which is all he had to do. For the most part the debate was a big yawn to all but dedicated supporters of the candidates.”
Chris Coffey, political consultant, former aide to Mike Bloomberg:
“Vance moved to the middle all night but couldn’t get away with refusing to say Biden won the 2020 election.
“The Jan. 6 Capitol riot segment and the abortion discussion were the two best moments for Walz.
“The worst moment for Walz was when he started out anxious and was confronted with fibbing about his whereabouts during the Tiananmen Square massacre.
“But at least he leveled with people that he misspoke as opposed to the revisionist history of Vance blaming Congress for saying Trump’s economic policies were a failure in 2020.
“The best moments for Vance were when he appeared to find common ground with Walz and seemed somewhat normal as a result.
“The worst moment for Vance was getting into it with the moderators over fact-checking. Anyone under 40 heard that and shuddered
“All in all, Vance was slick tonight. I do wonder if Trump will feel overshadowed and agree to another debate.
O’Brien ‘OB’ Murray, campaign strategist:
“A hillbilly with an Ivy League degree and an old white guy walk into a bar, and no one noticed. That was 90 uninspiring minutes of rapid speaking and flat conversation.
“Tonight’s debate confirms that this presidential election, like all others, is about the top of the ticket.
“Gov. Walz discussed issues more than Vice President Harris has since President Biden dropped out of the race.
“Throughout the debate, Sen. Vance had a more commanding presence, but he could have been more personal and done a better job connecting with voters. However, Vance exceeded expectations and made himself a part of the future of the Republican Party, win or lose.
“Gov. Walz underperformed. He confirmed why he was chosen as VP Harris’ running mate; no flash or charisma. Just echoed her talking points and attacks on Trump.
“It was interesting that Vance started off admitting the voters didn’t know who he was, so he took time before answering the first question on Israel to share his bio.
“But Vance didn’t step up and really defend President Trump from Gov. Walz’s attacks, which he did a good job reiterating.
“On the other hand, Walz should have been better prepared to answer why he lied or misspoke about being in or around China during Tiananmen Square.”
