Voter reactions to Vance-Walz debate revealed in CBS News poll

Debate Recap: Walz vs. Vance

In a highly anticipated showdown between vice-presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance, voters across the nation tuned in for a clash of ideas and opinions. The first – and possibly only – vice-presidential debate between the two contenders left viewers divided on who emerged victorious, with a slight edge towards Vance according to a CBS News survey.

Initial Reactions

Following the debate, CBS News conducted a survey among nationwide voters who watched the event to gauge their reactions. The results showed that 42% of viewers believed Vance won the debate, while 41% favored Walz as the winner. A small percentage, 17%, called the debate a tie.

Party Affiliation

The audience was predominantly Democratic in their party affiliation, which could explain the slightly tilted preference towards Walz. Heading into the debate, Democratic voters showed more enthusiasm for Walz compared to Republicans’ support for Vance.

Perceptions of Candidates

Despite their differing views, both candidates were perceived as “reasonable” by the majority of debate watchers, rather than extreme. Additionally, a majority of viewers believed that both Vance and Walz are prepared to take on the role of U.S. president if the need arises, showcasing confidence in their capabilities.

Issues at Play

During the course of the debate, both candidates were seen as evenly matched on certain issues, such as the economy and the situation in the Middle East. Walz garnered more support on topics related to healthcare and abortion, while Vance had an advantage when discussing immigration.

Post-Debate Sentiment

Interestingly, both candidates managed to improve their overall image with voters following the debate. While Vance had a net-negative perception before the debate, his favorability slightly increased post-debate. On the other hand, Walz was seen as spending more time explaining his views, in contrast to Vance who was perceived as focusing more on attacking his opponents.

Survey Details

The CBS News/YouGov survey that gathered feedback from 1,630 likely voters who watched the debate on October 1, 2024, provided valuable insights into voter sentiments. Respondents were initially interviewed between September 27-30, 2024, to determine their likelihood of watching the debate and their willingness to participate in post-event interviews. The survey results have a margin of error of +/- 2.7 points.

In conclusion, the vice-presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance presented viewers with a glimpse into the candidates’ stances on critical issues and their ability to lead the nation if the need arises. While opinions may have been divided on the winner of the debate, the overall tone was perceived as positive, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on the candidates’ performances.