Wed Oct 02 14:35:38 UTC 2024: ## Vance and Walz Debate Leaves Viewers Divided, But More Positive About Both Candidates
A CNN instant poll of viewers who watched the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance reveals a closely divided audience on who performed better. While 51% of viewers favored Vance, 49% favored Walz, a sharp contrast to the more decisive audience reactions in the presidential debates.
Despite the split, the debate left viewers with more positive views of both candidates. While Walz remains the candidate perceived more favorably and in touch with voters’ needs, Vance improved his standing among the audience, exceeding expectations and gaining ground on the share who see him as qualified.
The poll shows that views largely split along pre-existing political lines: 90% of Trump supporters favored Vance, while 82% of Harris supporters favored Walz. However, a significant majority of both Trump and Harris supporters said the debate did not change their minds about who to vote for.
Interestingly, both candidates are seen as qualified to assume the presidency if needed by a majority of viewers.
The poll, conducted by SSRS, surveyed 574 registered voters who watched the debate, and is representative only of the views of that audience.
First Piper 