After the recent vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, polls conducted by CBS and YouGov showed a positive image of both candidates among the electorate. The poll results were close, with 42 percent of voters believing Vance came out on top, while 41 percent thought Walz was the winner. Both candidates saw an increase in favorability after the debate, with Walz’s rating rising from 52 percent to 60 percent, and Vance’s rising from 40 percent to 49 percent. Additionally, the vast majority of viewers, 88 percent, perceived the tone of the debate to be positive.
The post-debate poll by CBS and YouGov also indicated that the majority of viewers found both candidates to be “reasonable,” with 74 percent feeling that way about Walz and 65 percent having the same opinion about Vance. While CNN’s instant poll after the debate showed slight numerical differences, with Walz’s post-debate favorability at 59 percent and Vance’s at 41 percent, both polls were thematically similar. Both candidates saw an increase in their favorability ratings, and voters believed that both men were capable of assuming the presidency if necessary.
Some readers of Newsweek felt that JD Vance was the clear winner of the debate, citing his succinct responses, enthusiasm, and respectful demeanor. Others believed that Tim Walz had the upper hand in terms of experience and authenticity, with one reader noting that he spoke truthfully about issues concerning the American people. Overall, in line with national polls, Newsweek readers felt that the debate between the two vice presidential candidates was largely positive.
Despite the positive reception of the debate among viewers and readers, the impact of the event on the election remains uncertain. Only 1 percent of CNN viewers said that the debate changed their mind about who to vote for. As the election date draws near, it will be interesting to see how the performances of JD Vance and Tim Walz in the debate influence the decision-making of voters across the country. Whether the positive favorability ratings and perceptions of the candidates translate to electoral success remains to be seen, but the debates have certainly sparked interest and engagement among the electorate.
