On October 1st, over 20 attendees gathered at Beggars Banquet in East Lansing for our Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party. The evening was a chance for young voters to come together, share a meal, and closely follow the debate between candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and engagement, as participants discussed how the candidates’ policies could impact key issues like immigration, housing, and election integrity.
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The night was full of memorable moments, one of which came early in the debate when CBS News moderator Margaret Brennan had to step in after a heated exchange over immigration policy.
“Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because the mics are cut,” Brennan said, after Vance protested a moderator's clarification on the legal status of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. This moment, though tense, reminded viewers of the importance of decorum and clear communication in political discussions.
As the debate continued, the candidates did find moments of common ground. For example, both Walz and Vance agreed that certain regulations have hindered the development of new housing units.
“I actually agree with that,” Walz remarked, acknowledging Vance’s point while emphasizing the need for pragmatic solutions. However, they were quick to diverge on other topics, each reinforcing their key messages to the audience.
A pivotal moment came when Walz addressed Vance’s controversial statements about immigrant communities in Springfield.
“There’s consequences for this,” Walz said, criticizing Vance for what he described as unfounded claims that vilified a large number of legal immigrants. He highlighted that even the Republican governor of Ohio had refuted the story, urging Vance to refrain from perpetuating falsehoods for political gain.
The debate also touched on the lingering issue of election integrity, with Vance taking a measured approach when asked about the 2020 presidential election.
“My own belief is that we should fight about those issues, debate those issues peacefully in the public square,” Vance said, while steering the conversation toward the future and away from the past controversies surrounding former President Trump.
As the debate concluded and attendees reflected on the evening, it was clear that events like these foster important conversations and help young voters stay informed about the policies shaping their futures. Our post-debate discussions stretched late into the night, with many leaving feeling more empowered to engage with the political process.
We’re already looking forward to our next event—our Issues Zoom Series—where we’ll continue to dissect the issues that matter most to millennials and Gen-Z voters. Stay tuned for more!