Polls after the JD Vance and Tim Walz debate show a largely positive image of the vice presidential candidates’ favorability among the electorate.
According to a post-debate poll by CBS and YouGov, voters felt tied between the candidates running for vice president, with 42 percent of voters believing Vance came out on top, and 41 percent of voters believing that Walz was the winner.
The poll also found that both candidates benefitted from the debate: Tim Walz’ favorability went up from 52 percent before the debate to 60 percent afterwards; JD Vance also saw his favorability rise, from 40 percent to 49 percent.
Additionally, 17 percent of voters saw the debate as a tie, and the vast majority of viewers, 88 percent, saw the tone of the debate as positive.
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CBS and YouGov poll respondents also largely saw the candidates as “reasonable,” with 74 percent of viewers feeling that way about Walz, and 65 percent believing the same as Vance.
This CBS YouGov poll differs from CNN’s instant poll after the debate, which rated Walz’s post-debate favorability at 59 percent, and Vance’s at 41 percent, with a 5.3-point margin of error.
Newsweek also previously reported that 48 percent of CNN poll respondents saw Walz as in touch with their needs, compared to 35 percent who felt that way about Vance.
Despite some polling numerical differences, both polls are similar thematically, in that both candidates saw a boost in their favorability ratings, and that voters saw both men as capable of assuming the presidency if they had to.
Newsweek readers’ take on the debate was divided. Some readers felt as if Vance was the clear winner, both in tone and in message.
Reader Allyson Wood said: “JD Vance was succinct in his response to every question, showed enthusiasm for his probable role as Vice President of the United States and was very honest and respectful throughout the entire debate.”
However others felt that Walz had the upper hand in terms of experience and authenticity.
Reader Jennifer K Thessin said: “Clearly [Walz] was the most authentic. He spoke truthfully about issues the American people are concerned with.”
By and large, in keeping with the national polls, Newsweek readers felt that the debate was largely positive between the two candidates.
The impact of the debate on the election is unclear. According to CNN only 1 percent of viewers said the event changed their mind about who to vote for.
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