Written by Peter Lawson.

In the first post-debate poll following the vice presidential debate, JD Vance seems to have come out ahead of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, thanks in part to his more grounded and straightforward style. While Walz’s performance leaned into colorful optimism, Vance’s focus on the facts helped him stand out. The CBS News poll, which was conducted immediately after the debate, reveals that 42% of viewers declared Vance the victor, compared to 41% for Walz. A small margin, yet significant.

Although the race was close, nearly 88% of debate watchers felt the showdown was a positive experience overall. That said, the 12% who had a more critical view may be focusing on the verbal missteps Walz made throughout the night, including a rather odd description of himself as a “knucklehead,” a term he used in an attempt to dodge criticism over his remarks about China and Tiananmen Square.

CNN Poll: Vance Still Holds a Narrow Lead

As if CBS’s poll wasn’t enough to stir the pot, CNN also conducted a post-debate poll, with similar results. According to the CNN/SSRS survey, Vance held an even slimmer lead with just over 50% of viewers thinking he had performed better than Walz’s 49%. Although the margins are tight, these early results suggest that Vance’s more measured approach may be working, especially among those who value a pragmatic rather than overly optimistic message.

Despite the close numbers, the underlying message is clear: Vance, Trump’s running mate, has solidified himself as a contender who can stand toe-to-toe with the more seasoned Walz. The CNN poll, which included 574 viewers and has a margin of error of 5.3%, further reflects the public’s neck-and-neck assessment of these two candidates.

Walz Stumbles with “Knucklehead” Comment

One of the more awkward moments of the debate came when Walz referred to himself as a “knucklehead,” a flippant remark that he used to justify his previous missteps on the campaign trail. Intended as self-deprecating humor, it unfortunately came across as a poorly executed attempt to laugh off a serious error, specifically his earlier misrepresentation of the events surrounding the Tiananmen Square massacre. Such a gaffe did not go unnoticed by viewers, who have likely factored it into their overall impressions of the debate.

As Walz struggled to recover from this ill-advised comment, it became clear that while his charm may win over some, it’s not enough to shield him from criticism. The Hill pointed out that moments like these could be exactly why Vance has gained a slight advantage in the polls.

Our Take

The post-debate polls reflect a larger issue with Walz’s performance. While he certainly has a charismatic and optimistic appeal, the American public tends to favor candidates who come off as well-prepared and fact-based, especially in high-stakes debates. Vance’s no-nonsense approach, in contrast, resonated with viewers who are looking for someone who can cut through the noise and deliver on substance. And as much as Walz tried to charm his way through the evening, his clumsy remarks—like the “knucklehead” comment—have only reinforced concerns about his readiness for the vice presidency.

This debate also highlights a broader problem: the voters’ growing impatience with politicians who avoid accountability and deflect criticism with jokes. In a time when the country faces significant challenges, we need leaders who can be serious and strategic. Unfortunately for Walz, humor and self-deprecation aren’t cutting it in the face of real issues.