Yesterday, October 1, debate was between Democratic VP Candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican VP Candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance.
After a long time I saw a decent and civil debate. Both candidates shook hands at the start. At the conclusion, both candidates’ wives came on the stage to be with their husbands and shook hands. (Vance’s wife Usha is of Indian origin.) Even during the debate, both candidates agreed with each other on some points.
Here is my personal report card.
JD Vance A
Tim Walz B minus
Mr. Vance was strong on immigration and economy. Mr. Walz was strong on abortion.
Mr. Vance goofed when asked if he was in Mike Pense’s place will he refuse to certify the 2020 election results. He had problem answering that question and finally gave a slick answer that he will obey the President.
Mr. Walz finally said he lied when he said he was in Hong Kong when the Tiananmen Square protest was taking place.
This debate reminded me of Kennedy-Nixon debate. Vance (like Kennedy) was at ease and Walz (like Nixon) was nervous. During the debate Vance was looking at Walz when Walz was speaking. But when Vance was speaking Walz was taking notes seriously.
As with every other network (except Fox News), the moderators were siding with Democrat Walz and the 3 ganged up on Vance. The moderators fact checked Vance several times and when he tried to reply, they cut off his mike.
Vance again and again pointed out what Trump failed to do during his debate with Kamala. Kamala was telling she will do this and do that on the very first day in the office. During yesterday’s debate, Vance mentioned several times “you are in power for the past 3.5 years and why you did not do these. If you want to you can do them today and not wait for you to win”.
The moderators deliberately did not ask Walz why as Governor of Minnesota, he ordered tampons be placed in the boys’ bathroom. (Republicans making fun of him by calling him Tampon Tim.)
Some salient points
ReplyDelete-The tone of the debate was polite and respectful.
-Both attacked the Presidential candidates on the other side and avoided targetting each other.
-While Vance had the gift of the gab and expressed himself well, Tim Walz was focused more on policies than rhetoric.
-Both did the job reasonably well and I would give equal marks.
Thanks for your comments Mr KP. The moderators were biased. They attacked Vance but no question to Walz about placing tampons in the boys' bathroom. No mention of Walz calling himself a veteran when he did not go to any war.
DeleteVance clearly said he can talk about 2020 election results later. They are here to talk about future of America. Moreover which is important to the Country? Immigration and Economy or Abortion?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Anonymous. I don't know if you are an American or any other nationality. If you are an American all 3 are Important to the country.
DeleteMy vote is for Trump & Vance. I don't care whether they win or not. Definitely not to that Oakland Jamaican Black who is Anti Hindu, Anti India and pro Pak .
DeleteI am pleasantly surprised. Welcome to the club.
DeleteAt least write me an email. I will not publish your name . My email address is my "complete profile"
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ReplyDeleteIt was good to see candidates showing respect and civility. Your comparison to the Kennedy-Nixon debate is interesting — especially noting how Vance seemed more comfortable while Walz took a more serious, note-taking approach. It is important that moderators aren't biased.
Thanks for your comments Pradeep.
DeleteI remember you told us about Kennedy -Nixon debate when you were in India decades back. Somehow Indian origins are connected with the presidential/prime minister candidates in USA and UK politics. Glad to see that. I would have been very happy had you involved yourself in active politics
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Gowri. If one has to involve in active politics he/she must have thick skin. I do not have that.
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