Students weigh in on policy and civility during vice presidential debate

Students watch as Democratic nominee Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance face off in the 2024 Vice Presidential Debate. (Isaiah Hayes/The Black Explosion)

The University of Maryland’s Department of Government and Politics partnered with its Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, and Black Girls Vote to host a vice presidential debate watch party on Tuesday night.

Once the debate began, students and faculty quieted down in suspense for what was to come. All comments and reactions were held until commercial, except for a moment of tense discourse that ended in muted microphones for the candidates.

Some students believed this debate would be comparable to September’s presidential debate, while others felt it would be a different scene. 

Claudia Batista, a junior information science major, believed she was “more prepared” to listen to the candidates during last month’s presidential debate. She believed this debate wouldn’t be any different. 

“I feel like [this debate] is gonna go…the same way that the presidential [debate] did,” Batista said. “Do I think that this is gonna change my position? No, but I do think it will give me more insight.”

Malachi Anderson, a junior history major, praised Walz for being a “more progressive type of candidate.” He hopes the Democrats’ vice presidential nominee will influence Kamala Harris to be more “aggressive.”

“I feel [Walz] is like Trump, in a way. He’s himself. Trump isn't really into just being a politician, he’s being Donald Trump. This is the democratic version of Donald Trump,” Anderson said.

Upon watching the debate, many students were shocked at the commonality displayed on the screen. Kerra Dukes, a senior public policy major, expected there to be more contrast in the candidates’ views.

“While I was expecting…more differences between Tim Walz and JD Vance, I think that they have honestly agreed on a lot of things,” Dukes said. She described the debate as “fairly respectful”.

When moderators began the discussion on gun control, bringing up the topic of school shootings, Walz revealed his son had witnessed a shooting at a community center, arguing in favor of tighter gun control laws. 

“It’s abhorrent, and it breaks your heart,” Walz said as he turned to his opponent. “There are reasonable things that we can do to make a difference.”

Vance nodded in agreement, signaling these two candidates' common ground on this topic. Students picked up on this moment, among others, where the vice presidential nominees agreed.

“I think [the candidates] are a lot more respectful,” Dukes said. ”Both candidates are allowed to completely share their thoughts.” 

Although students believed this debate was less tense than last month’s presidential debate, many are still clear on who they’re voting for. 

Megan Xie, a junior geography major, said the debate showed her that Vance has “situational ethics,” and “situational morals,” but says she still believes Vance is “wishy-washy,” and “isn’t strong on any particular stance.”

Denise Demontgnac, president of this university’s chapter of Black Girls Vote, says the debate helped her get a better understanding of where each candidate stood on key topics along with helping disprove misinformation she comes across online. 

“I feel very solidified in my stance on which candidate I think will serve the American people better,” Demontgnac said. “Being able to hear from their own mouths in an uncut setting where it’s not scripted, cut or pasted to take anything out of context is very important for people to know the true characters of each candidate.”

Nia Kitching, a sophomore public policy major, says the focus on “policy, instead of name-calling” demystified the debate. 

“I was really able to listen to what each campaign had to say about these topics and what they were going to do about it, not just ‘concepts of plans’,” Kitching said.

Kitching, along with other students, agreed on the importance of voting in this election, citing the implications for minority students as well.

“As a minority, and as a woman, it affects me a lot. I do believe in reproductive rights for women. I do believe in racial social equity. So I think voting is important in general, not just for a presidential election,” Kitching said.