A unique duel to better know the 'second' of the campaign

Tim Walz, the prototype of the common man, the next-door neighbor, has gained enormous popularity among the public in recent months, even more than Kamala Harris, Trump, and JD Vance. The latter, propelled into the political sphere by his profile and the success of his book 'Hillbilly', in which he somewhat blames Appalachian workers for the economic conditions that have impoverished them, has adopted the role of articulator of Trump's populism and his crusade against immigration.

A millionaire audience, whose final figure will be known on Wednesday morning, had the chance last night to witness the first and only face-to-face between the two 'seconds' of the Democratic and Republican candidacies. The event was of clear interest because one of them will be the country's vice president. And so far they were not exactly two outstanding figures in American politics. Walz, it's true, has been in the profession for 18 years, but his stronghold has been Minnesota. Outside of there, he is known for being the co-chair of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee. Vance, for his part, is a novice who barely a year and a half ago debuted as a senator from Ohio, although his subsequent career has been meteoric.

Another point of interest in CBS's program was that perhaps this face-to-face was the last electoral debate of this campaign. While Kamala Harris's team has accepted an invitation from CBS to confront her rival on October 23rd, Donald Trump announced early this morning that he is still thinking about it but will likely reject the challenge. "I beat Biden, then I beat her and I'm not looking to do it again, much less in the future. The votes are already cast and I'm leading in the polls," boasted the magnate in a message on his social network.

Walz and Vance have shown a marked contrast in personalities, character, and even style of masculinity. However, both have remained moderate, focused on attracting crucial undecided voters who could tip the balance in November's elections.

Vance, with negative popularity numbers especially among women, came to the debate with much more to gain than Walz, the jovial everyman with an easy connection who is very popular among voters, especially women.

The Republican used his specialty: quick adaptability to current circumstances. It is a very useful tool. Transactional. Thus he went from calling Donald Trump the new Hitler a year ago to defending and praising him without restraint in this campaign. Tim Walz, on his side, focused on the value that led Kamala Harris to choose him: a natural empathy with middle-class realities.

The only debate between vice-presidential candidates was not violent. On the contrary: it was reasonably courteous in Midwestern style. No low blows. What did viewers say about it? A review of social media suggests that many expected a rougher exchange of views and even described the verbal duel as "boring." But there is also plenty of praise for moderation and positive impressions that without any fireworks, the dialogue was "instructive."

The final CBS poll reflects this. Viewers offer similar support to Walz and Vance and praise above all the "positive" tone of the debate and the "reasonable" demeanor of its protagonists. The Republican registered 42% approval compared to 41% for his Democratic rival. Seventeen percent of those surveyed believe that the debate ended in a tie. Interestingly, Minnesota's governor caused more satisfaction among his fellow Democrats than Vance did among Republicans.

Despite its correctness, fact-checkers found a good handful of falsehoods. Mostly on Vance's side who amidst his rhetorical ease invented and distorted statements. Perhaps most extraordinary was his conviction that Trump did not lose at the polls in 2020. The Republican also displayed at times 'Gish gallop', a technique used by Trump that involves overwhelming an opponent with excessive bursts of dubious arguments making it impossible to address them all within available time. The technique worked at first putting Walz on defensive somewhat nervous with a rushed speech.

The presenter and editor-in-chief of 'CBS Evening News', Norah O'Donnell, and 'Face the Nation' moderator also chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan were responsible for moderating face-to-face discussion last night attributing much responsibility for verbal duel correctness due their experience being great journalism veterans O'Donell three decades profession won several Emmys interviewed all living US presidents first reporter talked Joe Biden after winning past elections first interviewed four highest-ranking female military officers US army Brennan considered measured solid journalist thoroughly prepares each program interviewed Joe Biden Donald Trump most high-ranking US politicians outside country held long conversations former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson French President Emmanuel Macron covered historical events Iran nuclear deal restoration diplomatic relations Cuba war Ukraine both moderators confessed preparing face-to-face like final exam involving lots reading note-taking talking colleagues crafting intelligent question explained Brennan both emphasized importance encounter Americans better know two candidates