The vice presidential debate is often overshadowed by the presidential debate. Still, it is equally as important to acknowledge the perspectives of people who work under the president because it allows us to get a broader view on what’s happening in America politically, economically, and socially. Who is a better candidate for this position than the vice president themself?
- School Safety
According to CNN, there have already been more than 50 school shootings this year. Around 25 students and teachers were shot dead while many more were injured. On September 4, 2024, 14 year-old male Colt Gray walked out of his Algebra class, took out a gun, and opened fire on his classmates. Sadly, two 14 year-old children and 2 teachers were killed in the incident. According to Senator Vance, kids should not feel unsafe while attending school. That is why the government should increase safety in the school by making the doors stronger, increasing school resource officers, and so on. Governor Walz agreed with Senator Vance’s remarks but believed “that’s not far enough”. Using his experience in Finland, Governor Walz stated that there is no need to make schools look like ‘forts’ and that “there are reasonable things that we can” do despite high gun ownership and violence.
- Climate Change
Hurricane Helene was one of the most, if not, the deadliest hurricane to ever hit America. Killing more than 200 people across six states, Hurricane Helene hinted towards the devastating consequences of climate change. Senator Vance responded (with the acknowledgement of Governor Walz) by offering condolences to the people that suffered because of this disaster. Then, Senator Vance stated that if carbon emissions are the root of all climate change (according to the Democrats and for the sake of agreement), we should not be doing businesses in the ‘dirty’ areas of the world. Instead, we should invest in American workers because America has the cleanest economy. Governor Walz noted that the Harris administration is investing in American workers because they created more than 200,000 jobs across the country. Reducing the impacts of natural disasters on people is important but we need to accept that “climate change is real” and move forward as an energy powerhouse.
- Economic Plans
When COVID-19 hit the United States, our economy stalled and then declined. Millions of people lost their jobs and could not afford basic necessities. Each candidate’s policies to get America back on its feet are distinct from each other and not without controversy. During the vice-president debate, Governor Walz and Senator Vance were given the opportunity to speak out about their plans.
First, Governor Walz provided details about the Harris Administration initiating housing plans. They are giving those in need places to live and providing them basic necessities. Second, the administration wants to give tax cuts to the middle class people and support small businesses. By taking money from the rich and sharing it with the lower classes, he suggests that the economic situation will improve. However, Senator Vance stated that these plans may appear beneficial but actually fail in the long run. He argued that Vice President Harris should have carried out these plans the day she had been elected as vice president, not now when she is “asking for a promotion.” This comment ignores the fact that ecnomic policy does noy fall within the vice president’s purview. On the other hand, Trump’s economic policies are toutes as “record-breaking” because they delivered “rising take-home plans” to the working class and caused a boom in the American economy.
Both candidates used their backgrounds as experiences to support policies. Governor Walz said that he and candidate Harris believe in the working class because they were part of the working class when they were young. Senator Vance said that his mom had to go into debt so she could put food on the table so he knows what it is like to not be able to afford things.
Out of all of the vice presidential debates we had as a country, the 2024 VP debate had the most impact on the presidential election between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Both vice presidential candidates presented significant proposals to the audience, but it is up to us American citizens to decide who is going to run our country the best.
