Who won the debate? Trump Praises Vance, ‘Great Job JD’; Harris silent on Walz

Former President Donald Trump led the charge in congratulating Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance after his performance in Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate. Posting on his Truth Social app, Trump said: “GREAT JOB JD – We WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” »

Also read: Highlights from the Vance-Walz debate

After the debate, Vance admitted to being nervous, but added that Walz had a “tough job”: having to represent Vice President Kamala Harris’s policy agenda.

“Honestly, I didn’t notice, man. The adrenaline is pumping so much that I was nervous,” Vance told Fox News.

“Damn, I do a lot of these interviews, Sean, but I was nervous. This is the biggest stage of my life, so I haven’t focused so much on his behavior. I just tried to focus on what he was saying.

Republicans emerged from the debate optimistic, praising Vance for his calm and thoughtful approach against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The positive reception marks a shift for the Republican Party, which had been wondering whether Vance and Trump could form an attractive team ahead of the November election.

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, celebrated Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s performance in the vice presidential debate, telling CNN it was a ” masterclass.”

Harris campaign says nothing about Walz, calls Vance a liar

On the Democratic side, allies of Vice President Kamala Harris praised Walz for his genuine performance but accused Vance of dishonesty during the debate. However, she remained silent on social media about the debate being held. Harris campaign co-chair Rep. Robert Garcia even took to X to share a humorous image of Pinocchio, insinuating that Vance wasn’t being truthful.

Donald Trump Jr., who previously lobbied for Vance to be his father’s running mate, also celebrated Vance’s performance, calling it a “masterclass.” He told CNN that Vance excelled at discussing issues that often challenge Republicans, expressing confidence in Vance’s comfort level with those topics.

GOP co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita echoed those sentiments, saying Vance’s performance showed why Trump chose him as his running mate.

Republican lawmakers reacted enthusiastically to the debate, with Trump 2024 National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying “Senator JD Vance is spitting the cold, hard TRUTH on the debate stage.” Rep. Tom Emmer criticized Walz’s stance on immigration, while Sen. Tom Cotton questioned Walz’s answers on Israel.