Chronicle poll results: Vance/Walz debate
We asked our readers who won the Vance/Walz debate. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Who won the Vance/Walz debate?” Of the 252 people who responded, 50% said Gov. Walz; 41% said Sen. Vance; and 9% said they had no opinion. Comments were submitted by 72 people. A few follow.
The American people won, in the sense that they got to see, hear and learn a little about both candidates for VP, their views, opinions and attitudes.
Vance is smooth and a good debater. Walz had more facts and brought up pertinent information.
Repeating lies and insisting on half-truths does not make a platform for our future. Vance failed to reveal any vision for bringing us together to move forward from our challenges.
Walz seemed nervous and had no facts or plans except joy and the vague “opportunity economy,” which sounds like redistribution of wealth.
Although he lied and distorted, this Harris/Walz supporter must acknowledge that Sen. Vance was victorious. Gov. Walz was tense and on edge, unable to display the Midwestern charm for
which he is known. I commend both men for civility and for finding common ground on multiple issues. The debate is much ado about very little. It will have virtually no impact on the race.
Vance spoke more smoothly and confidently, but lied or stretched the truth frequently. Walz was himself — a smart, honorable and kind man who occasionally stumbled over his words.
I thought that Walz was nervous at first, but came on stronger later. Vance is clearly a very polished debater, certainly much better than Trump. It was surprising how civil they were to each other.
Josh Shapiro would have handled JD Vance much better than Tim Walz did.
Walz on substance; Vance on slickness…and lies.
It was a tie.
Waltz is a self-described knucklehead, and I think he’s right
Vance’s style was better and less combative than usual, but the lies were endless. Walz won because he confronted Vance about this a few times and told the truth!
Vance was more polished. Walz was more honest and more likable. Vance complaining about being fact-checked was absurd. His unwillingness to say that Trump lost the 2020 election was on-brand for the Trump-Vance ticket and a sign of things ahead. Vance’s statement that Trump peacefully transferred power on Inauguration Day ignores the Jan. 6 insurrection. Walz won the night by pointing out that Vance was only standing there that night because former Vice President Pence chose the Constitution over Trump.
If something would ever happen to Donald Trump, I would feel comfortable with Sen. Vance succeeding him.
I was pleased the debate was cordial on both sides. That is what I would hope for from our opposing politicians. I hope and pray this can extend to all the other candidates and into the future. PJC
comments