Fil-Am voters see strong performances from Walz, Vance in debate

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz went head-to-head with Republican VP nominee J.D. Vance in the first and possibly the only vice-presidential showdown. It turned out to be a substantive debate that came across as civil and friendly to viewers. 

Filipino-American registered voters who tuned in say they see Vance as a polished speaker, while Walz came across as relatable and sincere.

“That was a very civilized debate between Vance and Walz because most of them answered the questions," said Loida Nicolas Lewis, businesswoman and philanthropist. "I must say that Vance was more articulate, but Walz was a more common-sense debater.”

Independent voter Eric Lactic, meanwhile, said it reinforced the idea that candidates can be "reasonable, not outrageous in our debates."

“We need to be calm and seek the middle ground, as Governor Walz did," he said.

For Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz, a clear takeaway from this debate is knowing exactly what’s at stake in the Nov. 5 election.

“Governor Walz showed how much democracy is at stake and how dangerous Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are with the Project 2025 rhetoric," said Melissa Ramos. "It's incredible how much gaslighting happened tonight, and it showed that Harris-Walz only had the sense to do the right thing for the working class.”

Debate watchers are hoping this debate will move the needle for those who are still undecided, less than 34 days before the U.S. presidential election.

"Many people said that this vice-presidential debate is not important," said Joan Jane Tajonera. "[But] t is important because whatever happens to the president, you have the vice president to lead the country. Overall, I liked this debate.”

Some political watchers believe there is no clear winner, as both debaters have their own strengths and weaknesses.

“In the end, I think it's a draw," said Lewis, "and it's up to the voters to decide if they agree with vice presidential candidate Tim Walz What he said makes sense, whereas Vance was very apologetic for Trump."

She added: "It is a choice between four more years of chaos under Trump or four years under Democratic rule with Kamala Harris."

If this debate turns out to be the final one of the 2024 presidential campaign, political analysts believe the resulting polls in the next few days could potentially add some weight ahead of Election Day.