Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz participated in a debate hosted by CBS News on Tuesday in New York. This event marks the final scheduled debate of the election season, according to NPR Network’s live blog of the 2024 vice presidential debate.
The debate, which covered topics such as the economy, immigration, and healthcare, was noted for its civil tone, a departure from the campaign’s generally contentious atmosphere. NPR journalists fact-checked the candidates’ statements in real-time. Below is a summary of key points discussed:
### Energy and Climate Change
Vance argued that to address climate change, American manufacturing and energy production should be increased domestically, while criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies. However, under the Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. experienced record levels of oil and natural gas production, largely due to techniques like hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, there has been significant growth in solar and wind power, though coal’s contribution to electricity has diminished.
Vance responded to a question about whether he agreed with former President Trump’s characterization of climate change as a hoax by asserting that true belief in climate change would result in increased domestic manufacturing and energy production, a stance he claims the current administration has not taken.
### Immigration
Vance suggested that making it harder for illegal immigrants to work would benefit American workers by ensuring fair wages. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that increased migration has bolstered the labor force in recent years, countering the notion that immigrants displace native-born workers. Additionally, nearly 90% of fentanyl entering the U.S. is seized at official border crossings, predominantly smuggled by those legally authorized to cross, contrary to the myth that undocumented immigrants are primarily responsible for drug trafficking.
### Taxes
Vance praised the 2017 tax cuts instituted under the Trump administration, claiming they benefited middle-class Americans and spurred economic growth. However, these cuts also significantly reduced federal tax revenue and increased the deficit. The majority of the savings from these cuts went to the top earners. Trump has proposed extending these cuts, whereas Harris supports extending them for those earning less than $400,000 while increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
### Healthcare
Vance stated that Trump salvaged Obamacare and provided bipartisan support for affordable healthcare. However, during Trump’s presidency, multiple actions were taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the Biden administration, ACA enrollment surged due to increased subsidies, resulting in the lowest-ever uninsured rate. Vance’s claim that existing laws protect those with preexisting conditions refers to the provisions of the ACA, which prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on health issues.
### Guns
Vance linked the rise in illegal guns to an “open border” policy, but evidence shows most firearms in Mexico originate from the U.S. Additionally, recent FBI data indicate a national decline in violent crime, with preliminary data for 2024 showing continued decreases.
### China
Walz addressed discrepancies regarding his presence in China during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, clarifying he arrived after the events and correcting earlier statements about the frequency of his travels. He acknowledged living in China shortly after the protests and leading annual student trips there starting in 1993.
NPR’s detailed fact-checking provided insights into the candidates’ statements, offering clarity amid the debate’s exchanges.
