Commentary

Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz waits for the start of the vice presidential debate in New York City on Tuesday. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)

Watch: JD Vance Leaves Tim Walz All Alone in Very Awkward Moment Before Debate Even Starts

By Randy DeSoto October 1, 2024 at 6:58pm

GOP Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio definitely won the contest of who appeared more in command at the vice presidential debate with Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and it started before even before the event began.

First, the two men took the stage and shook hands.

Then, Vance left his podium area and went over to shake the hands of the CBS News moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan.

Meanwhile, Walz stayed at his podium, cupping his hands to the front and awkwardly smiling.

Why he didn’t follow Vance’s example is not clear.

JD Vance is already at it. He left Tim Walz to be on stage by himself

Vance is playing chess😂 pic.twitter.com/BUaItp9KBl

— George (@BehizyTweets) October 2, 2024

From the initial question, Walz looked ill at ease.

Tim Walz is off to a ROUGH start…

Why does he look so scared? pic.twitter.com/mctQFK5wvZ

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 2, 2024

Do you like J.D. Vance?

Meanwhile, Vance, a Yale Law School graduate, appeared relaxed — like he was having a conversation in his own living room.

The side by side on this debate is stunning.

Vance is measured, smooth and on point.

Walz is tongue tied, rambling, and looks nervous. pic.twitter.com/qcweSuB2Dg

— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) October 2, 2024

Throughout the early questions, he consistently re-framed them to discuss what he felt was important.

In a powerful moment, he was falsely fact checked on immigration and explained how the Biden-Harris administration has abused the nation’s immigration laws to give legal status to millions of migrants.

JD Vance just called out the CBS moderators for a false fact check on immigration was so good the moderators muted him pic.twitter.com/jtaDNKWkQx

— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) October 2, 2024

Using an app, he said, “You can go on as an illegal migrant and apply for asylum or apply for parole and be granted legal status at the wave of a Kamala Harris open border wand.”

It was a perfect way to put a visual in the minds of the audience, showing just how cavalier Harris has been regarding immigration to the detriment of the country.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

2024 election, J.D. Vance, Presidential debate, Tim Walz, Vice president

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars