Who Won the Vance-Walz Debate? We Asked ChatGPT

Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz squared off last night against the Republican candidate and Ohio Senator, JD Vance, in a notably civil exchange of ideas on key policies.
With 34 days to go until Election Day, the debate gave both nominees a precious opportunity to make their pitch to the nation.
It was the only scheduled face-off between the two candidates, following an encounter between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, an encounter which was widely hailed as a comprehensive victory for the Democrats.
Newsweek asked the generative AI tool, ChatGPT, “Who won the vice presidential debate, Walz or Vance? Give reasons for your answer. When thinking about your answer, also consider who the debate host is, as well as the mic policy.”
ChatGPT responded: “The vice presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance on October 1, 2024, featured a mix of policy discussions and personal attacks. While there wasn’t a clear, resounding winner, JD Vance appeared to have the upper hand based on several factors.
“Vance effectively presented himself as calm and polished, especially when discussing international affairs, notably defending Trump’s foreign policy by emphasizing peace through strength.
“He managed to tone down his usual aggressiveness, which helped him appear more composed, contrasting Walz’s occasional stumbling, such as a gaffe when discussing gun violence.
“Vance’s performance seemed to delight Trump supporters, suggesting he resonated well with his base. He also softened his rhetoric on contentious issues like abortion, which helped him appeal to a broader audience.
“Walz, meanwhile, delivered a strong defense of his running mate’s positions on key Democratic issues, such as abortion rights and democracy. However, his debate was marred by moments where he struggled to articulate his points as smoothly as Vance, especially when he misspoke during a discussion on gun violence.
“The CBS News moderators played a significant role in shaping the debate. At one point, they cut the candidates’ mics to rein in a heated exchange over immigration, a tactic reflecting the event’s strict mic policy aimed at preventing interruptions.
“Despite this intervention, Vance continued to dominate the conversation on several fronts, including immigration, where his forceful stance contrasted with Walz’s criticism of the Trump campaign’s demonization of immigrants.
“Overall, while both candidates had their moments, Vance’s ability to stay composed and navigate challenging topics, combined with Walz’s occasional missteps, gave Vance a slight edge in the debate.”
John Koch, senior lecturer and director of debate at Vanderbilt University, told Newsweek: “For a VP debate, the common objective is to advance the campaign’s message, be likable, not distract from the top of the ticket, and make voters comfortable with the idea that you could step into the presidency.
“Both candidates succeeded in these regards, as they appeared reasonable, presidential, and stayed on message.
“This debate was the most civil and substantive presidential or VP debate in the last 3 election cycles. They found points of agreement and pointed out where they disagreed, especially about which party poses the greatest threat to democracy.
“I would say this debate was a draw; both candidates achieved their objectives, but the real winners were the citizens of the United States who saw a civil and substantive debate that laid out a clear choice in this election.”
Ben Mendelowitz of VegasInsider.com told Newsweek: “While both candidates had their moments, JD Vance may have just edged out Tim Walz.”
Harris-Walz Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement: “The Governor showed once again that he will be an experienced governing partner on day one for Vice President Harris as they work together to deliver for working families. And he showed that he continues to be a powerful force on the campaign trail, holding JD Vance accountable while sounding the alarm on Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.
“The choice facing the American people in November was on full display tonight: between charting a new way forward or going backwards. Vice President Harris believes that the American people deserve to see her and Trump on the debate stage one more time. She will be in Atlanta on October 23—Donald Trump should step up and face the voters.”
Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a joint statement for the Trump-Vance campaign: “Senator Vance unequivocally won tonight’s debate in dominating fashion. It was the best debate performance from any vice presidential candidate in history.
“Senator Vance spoke the truth, eloquently prosecuted the case against Kamala Harris’ failed record, and effectively held Governor Tim Walz accountable for his lies on behalf of the Harris-Biden Administration.”
There are currently no plans for another VP TV debate, although Kamala Harris has made plain her desire for another encounter with Donald Trump – which the former president has so far not agreed to.
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