MADISON, Wisc.– Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Ohio Sen JD Vance (R) took to the stage in New York on Tuesday, for some voters in Madison– it was refreshingly calm.
“I thought that they were more civil in their intercourse and their actions and discussions. I came away with a better sense of who the candidates were,” Michael Lussier said.
Lussier’s thoughts of the debate aligns with CBS polling. 88% of surveyed debate watchers thought the overall tone on Tuesday was positive. Some voters noticed the contrast to Trump and Biden’s debate back in June.
“I feel like there was a lot more just respect for each other and like a lot more policy talk in this debate versus like previous debates,” Kira Markuson said.
Although some voters in downtown Madison said the debate didn’t sway their vote, both candidate’s favorability went up after the debate.
CBS polling shows Gov. Walz (D-MN) gaining roughly 8% and Sen. Vance (R-Ohio) gaining 9% post-debate. 42 percent of respondents said Vance won to Walz’s 41 percent.